How Baltimore's violent crime rate hit an all-time low: 'It's hard work'

7 days ago

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Baltimore's violence prevention efforts, led by programs like Safe Streets, have successfully intervened in potential shootings by building community rapport.
The city has seen a significant drop in homicides, reaching the lowest levels in decades, attributed to a comprehensive, data-driven approach involving social workers, police, and community leaders.
Freddie Gray's death in 2015 sparked riots and exposed systemic issues, leading to a renewed focus on equity and violence reduction.
Baltimore's strategy includes focused deterrence, targeting high-risk individuals with personalized interventions, including housing, job training, and mental health services.
Federal funding, such as the American Rescue Plan Act, has been crucial in supporting these initiatives without cutting police budgets.
Prosecutors under Ivan Bates have taken a tougher stance on illegal gun possession and violent repeat offenders, contributing to the decline in crime.
Challenges remain, including potential federal funding cuts under the Trump administration, which could disrupt the progress made.
Community trust and consistency in violence prevention efforts are seen as key to sustaining the reduction in violence.

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