BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, August 1, 2025) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott released the following statement as Baltimore continues to experience historic reductions in violent crime through July of 2025. Compared to this time last year, the city has seen a 24.3% decrease in homicides and a 18.3% decline in nonfatal shootings. So far this year, Baltimore has had 84 homicides- the fewest in over 50 years- compared to 111 homicides in the first seven months of 2024.

"The decreases we are seeing as a city are not a coincidence. 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," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "From the brave men and women of BPD, to our team at MONSE, to our partners in the Governor's Office, the State Attorney's Office, U.S. Attorney's Office, and the Office of the Attorney General, to organizations working on the ground to prevent violence in our communities, and- most importantly- to residents standing up to violence in their neighborhoods, Baltimore is saying enough is enough. 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."

Since Mayor Scott took office, the Baltimore Police Department's (BPD) homicide clearance rate has jumped from 40.3% in 2020 to 68.2% in 2024. The clearance rate for 2025 is currently 64.3%, significantly above the national average.

The City's Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS), a key partnership between BPD, the Mayor's Office, and prosecutors, which focuses on violent groups responsible for driving the majority of violence in Baltimore, has seen success by balancing services and accountability. Together, they work to get those at the very highest risk of being involved in violence to put down the guns and change their behaviors. The strategy has led to over 414 arrests and connected over 261 individuals to life coaching and wraparound services through YAP, Inc., and Roca. Approximately 95.8% of participants have not been revictimized and 97.7% have not recidivated after enrolling in services as part of the strategy. GVRS recently expanded to Baltimore's Southern Police District in June 2025.

Crime continues to be down across most major categories. As of July 26, 2025, compared to last year, auto thefts are down 34%, robberies are down 23%, arson is down 10%, and carjackings are down 15%.