Crime & Justice
Baltimore Achieves Drop in Homicides Under Mayor Brandon Scott’s Leadership
Compared to the same period in 2024, homicides have dropped by 24.3%, while nonfatal shootings have declined by 18.3%.
As of July 2025, Baltimore has recorded just 84 homicides—the fewest in over half a century. Compared to the same period in 2024, homicides have dropped by 24.3%, while nonfatal shootings have declined by 18.3%. These historic reductions reflect a coordinated, community-driven approach led by Mayor Brandon M. Scott and a broad coalition of partners.
Mayor Scott: “This Is No Coincidence”
In a statement, Mayor Scott emphasized that Baltimore’s progress is the result of intentional collaboration. “The decreases we are seeing as a city are not a coincidence,” he said. “They are the result of so many partners working together to advance our shared vision for a better, safer Baltimore—both today and for the generations to come.”
Scott credited the Baltimore Police Department (BPD), the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE), and agencies at the state and federal level, including the Governor’s Office, State Attorney’s Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Office of the Attorney General. He also praised grassroots organizations and residents who are actively standing up to violence in their neighborhoods.
Baltimore homicides: Clearance Rates Surge as Accountability Deepens
Since Scott took office in 2020, BPD’s homicide clearance rate has climbed from 40.3% to 68.2% in 2024. In 2025, the rate remains strong at 64.3%, well above the national average. This improvement signals not only more solved cases but also growing trust between law enforcement and the community.
Photo by M-DESIGNZ LLC
Group Violence Reduction Strategy Delivers Results
At the heart of Baltimore’s transformation is the Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS), a targeted initiative that blends accountability with support. GVRS pinpoints individuals at the highest risk of engaging in gun violence and presents them with a clear choice:
- they can put down their weapons and
- access life-changing support services, or
- they can face legal consequences.
Since its launch, GVRS has led to:
- 414 arrests of individuals driving group-related violence
- 261+ participants connected to life coaching and wraparound services via YAP, Inc. and Roca
- 95.8% of participants have not been revictimized
- 97.7% have not reoffended
In June 2025, GVRS expanded to Baltimore’s Southern Police District, broadening its reach and impact.
Baltimore Crime Continues to Fall
Baltimore’s crime reductions extend beyond homicides.
- Auto theft has plummeted by an impressive 34% compared to the same period in 2024.
- Robbery rates have also fallen by 23%
- Arson incidents are down 10%
- Carjackings have decreased by 15%
Together, these declines underscore the effectiveness of Baltimore’s holistic approach to crime reduction.
A Safer Future in Sight
While Mayor Scott remains focused on the work ahead, the city’s progress is undeniable. “Baltimore is saying enough is enough,” he declared. “While we continue to see meaningful progress, we know that as long as we continue to lose neighbors to violence, we have to double down and deepen the work that is driving these historic reductions.”
With data-driven strategies, strong partnerships, and unwavering community resolve, Baltimore is proving that transformation is not only possible—it’s already underway.