Baltimore Rediscovers the Many Benefits of Arresting and Prosecuting Criminalshttps://www.shootingnewsweekly.com/crime-and-punishment/baltimore-rediscovers-the-many-benefits-of-arresting-and-prosecuting-criminals/As the mid-year mark of 2025 hits, a promising report on crime trends has come out of the City of Baltimore. Surprising news at first glance until you dig deeper into the policy direction the city is taking with not a single mention of gun control. Then it all makes perfect sense.
The city of Baltimore is reporting significant decreases in its midyear crime data showing a 22% decrease in homicides compared to this time last year, while nonfatal shootings were also down by 19%. The data goes on to show that shooting suspects are being arrested at higher rates, with a homicide clearance rate of 64% and a 44% clearance rate for nonfatal shootings, which is 20% above the department’s 10-year average.
The city of Baltimore is crediting specific new policies for these reductions based on “qualitative and quantitative data” as cited by a Baltimore Police Department press release. While some will emphasize the city’s relatively strict gun control, that was also in place during the days of sky-high violent crime in Baltimore, when attempts to get through even one murder-free weekend were destined to fail. The difference now is smarter and stricter policing and enforcement.
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates released an insightful statement on the direction of those new policies:
While some have criticized our office for moving beyond the policies of the previous administration, the progress we’ve made in reducing homicides in Baltimore tells a different story — one grounded in results, not rhetoric. By repealing ineffective non-prosecution policies, we’ve empowered our police officers to re-engage fully in the mission of public safety — not only as law enforcers, but as violence interrupters working proactively in our communities.
My emphasis. I wonder if Bates is actually doing his job, unlike his predecessor Marilyn Mosby. Needless to say, there is room for improvement, and, possibly, hope for it, too.
Criminals not on the street don't commit crimes? Who'd athunk it?!!!
