Mayor Scott’s Innovative Community Plan Spurs Unprecedented Decline in Violent Crime Rates

Following years of investment in violence interrupters, community outreach, and local prevention projects, Baltimore is reaping the rewards of this targeted strategy. These initiatives effectively confront violence at its core, directly engaging the individuals and communities most impacted by crime, as noted by Maryland Public Defender Natasha Dartigue.In 2021, Mayor Brandon Scott initiated a public safety framework, treating violence as a public health issue that emphasizes community involvement and accountability. As a result, Baltimore now enjoys its lowest homicide rate in five decades, seeing a remarkable 22% drop in homicides and a 19% reduction in non-fatal shootings during the initial six months of the year, surpassing the Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan's annual goal.Scott's data-driven strategy targets specific communities, aiming to mitigate crime rather than simply punishing offenders. Despite these milestones, Scott remains committed to ongoing efforts, acknowledging that much work lies ahead. His approach echoes experiences from other cities, reinforcing effective, community-centered policing initiatives.