Marc H. Morial
President and CEO
National Urban League
“After years of investing in violence interrupters, community outreach workers, and neighborhood-based prevention initiatives, Baltimore is witnessing the fruits of this focused approach. These programs work because they address violence at its roots, engaging directly with the individuals and communities most affected by crime.” — Maryland Public Defender Natasha Dartigue
When Brandon Scott took office as Mayor of Baltimore in 2021, he introduced a revolutionary public safety plan that framed violence as a public health issue. This approach marked a significant departure from traditional law enforcement strategies, focusing instead on community engagement and accountability. The mayor’s comprehensive vision was not just about policing but also about healing and restoration within the community.
Today, Baltimore is reaping the benefits of these changes with the lowest homicide rate in 50 years. This remarkable achievement is underscored by a 22% decline in homicides and a 19% drop in non-fatal shootings over the first half of the year. These statistics are impressive, especially given that they exceed the city’s goal of a 15% annual reduction in gun violence laid out in the Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan.
The historic decline in crime in Baltimore is part of a larger trend that started in 2003. By the end of 2024, six communities—Belvedere, Woodbourne McCabe, Park Heights, Penn North, Franklin Square, and Brooklyn—are expected to have experienced a year without homicides, a testament to the effectiveness of Scott’s data-driven strategy aimed at specific neighborhoods known for high crime rates. This focus on micro-locations has proven crucial in addressing the violence that disproportionately affects certain communities.
Scott’s strategy shifts the paradigm from merely punishing crime to preventing it. His approach is grounded in empirical data, which shows that gun violence is often concentrated within small, identifiable groups. By addressing the underlying issues in these areas, including poverty, lack of opportunities, and inadequate access to social services, Scott is implementing solutions that resonate with the people most impacted by crime.
In his own words, Scott emphasized, “We are not going back to the days of arresting any and every Black person who is just outside.” This commitment highlights a broader awareness of systemic issues within policing strategies that have historically marginalized communities of color. Scott acknowledges the progress made while remaining realistic about the challenges that lie ahead. “While we acknowledge the historic lows we are experiencing, we must simultaneously acknowledge that there is much more work to do,” he stated, reinforcing his determination to continue the push for public safety reforms.
The backdrop to Mayor Scott’s administration is the city’s reputation, which has frequently been painted in a negative light, reinforced by media portrayals like HBO’s *The Wire*. With titles like “Who Wants to Run the Deadliest Big City in America?” becoming commonplace, Scott approached the daunting task of transforming Baltimore’s image and reality. Growing up in Park Heights, he has firsthand experience with the consequences of both rampant gun violence and ineffective strategies to combat it, recounting instances from his youth that shaped his understanding of these critical issues.
At just 36 years old when elected, Scott brought a decade of political experience to the role, having chaired the Baltimore City Council’s Public Safety Committee and co-founded the anti-violence group 300 Men March. His leadership in these areas laid a strong foundation for his public safety initiatives. Additionally, he has achieved milestones such as reaching a $1.2 million settlement with Polymer80, a prominent manufacturer of ghost guns, and making strides toward a consent decree for the Baltimore Police Department, signaling a commitment to systemic change within law enforcement practices.
Reflecting on his own experiences as a young mayor confronting high crime rates in New Orleans during the 1990s, Marc H. Morial, president of the National Urban League, acknowledges that policing alone is insufficient. Morial’s administration relied on empowering underserved communities and addressing root causes of crime, which successfully transformed a troubled police department while halving crime rates. This comprehensive approach has inspired the National Urban League’s *21 Pillars for Redefining Public Safety and Restoring Community Trust*, and Mayor Scott’s efforts in Baltimore serve as a compelling case study in its application.
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