In the first half of 2024, the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) has seen double-digit reductions in gun violence, including a 36% decrease in homicides and a 30% decrease in non-fatal shootings. During this time, the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) clearance rates for homicides has improved to 70.1%, an increase of 24% from this time last year. 

“I want to thank the hard-working men and women of the Baltimore Police Department. Their ongoing dedication to our city and collaboration with the communities we serve has contributed to decreases in violent crime, as well as our ongoing commitment to regaining the public’s trust,” said Commissioner Richard Worley. “The BPD has vastly improved its quality of investigations and arrests, while also bolstering our community engagement and proactivity. As we continue to build on and strengthen our productive partnerships with Mayor Scott’s administration, State’s Attorney Bates, the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, Sheriff Cogen and all of our law enforcement agencies, I know we will continue to work together in making our city safer for all.”

This year, the Department has arrested 53 suspects for homicides and there are open warrants for seven additional suspects. The suspects range in age from 18 to 65, with 80% of them having prior records. 20% of these suspects were previously arrested for a violent crime. Additionally, BPD Civilian Investigators have assisted in more than 60 death investigations so far this year.

Following Commissioner Worley’s restructuring of the Department, the Criminal Investigation Bureau has seen a sharp increase in the homicide clearance rate, which is above the national average for major cities. Additionally, the clearance rate for non-fatal shootings is 41.5%.

The Department has also arrested 52 suspects for non-fatal shootings and there are open warrants for three additional suspects. These suspects range in age from 13 to 69, with 77% of them having prior records. 10 individuals have been arrested more than 10 times and 62% of all non-fatal shooting suspects were previously arrested for a violent crime.

“The impressive progress we’ve made in violence reduction, other categories, and clearance rates is a result of the collective efforts of our entire public safety apparatus and our Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “The work is not done, and continuing this progress is a daily task that we will not stop working on until no Baltimorean is lost to violence. I want to thank the hard work of everyone who has had a hand in this effort as we move into the second half of the year.”

2024 Mid-Year Key Highlights:

• Arrests are up 13%, including a 72% increase in misdemeanor drug arrests.
• In a partnership with the Chief Administrative Office and MONSE, BPD has conducted seven coordinated interagency responses in neighborhoods impacted by high rates of crime and violence. These interagency responses include addressing environmental issues and human service needs to help prevent crime.
• Juvenile victims of homicide and non-fatal shootings are down 41%.
• The Department has seized 1,125 guns and 169 ghost guns, averaging seven gun seizures a day. 
• BPD’s proactive enforcement has increased by 66%, including increasing our foot patrols and bike patrols by 211% and 68%, respectively.
• In the first half of the year, the Department has achieved “full and effective compliance,” in the Transport & Officer Assistance and Support sections of the Consent Decree, with more than 80% of the Consent Decree paragraphs being in initial compliance or on-track.
• BPD has conducted more than 20 internal audits and inspections to ensure adherence to policies and training, to improve operational efficiencies. 
• With the addition of six new Civilian Investigators, the Public Integrity Bureau has reduced its closure time for internal investigations. 

*As of July 8, 2024, year-to-date homicides are down 33.8% (96 compared to 145) and non-fatal shootings are down 36.5% (217 compared to 342).

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BPD Mission Statement

The Baltimore Police Department is dedicated to upholding the Constitution and enforcing laws in a fair, impartial, and ethical manner. We commit to creating and maintaining a culture of service that builds trust and legitimacy in all communities, values the sanctity of human life, and provides for the safety and well-being of all.