BPD sees dramatic decrease in multiple crime categories for April 2024
Baltimore, Md. (May 7, 2024) – The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) is pleased to announce that April 2024 marked several significant successes in the crime fight.
First, we want to acknowledge the tireless, courageous work our officers do daily. Thanks largely to their dedication and commitment, BPD can state that multiple crime category numbers were down significantly for the month of April.
We also wouldn’t have achieved these results without our valuable collaborators – Mayor Brandon Scott; our local, state and federal law enforcement partners; and community members. Their efforts and our strengthened relationships are an integral part of the process and help immeasurably in providing for the public’s safety.
“As we move from a warrior mentality to that of a guardian, we are still showing that we can reduce crime constitutionally even in the midst of a staffing shortage,” said BPD Commissioner Richard Worley. “While even one murder or shooting is too many, these numbers indicate considerable progress for the Department and are an enormous step forward in improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods. Now, we can focus on maintaining and exceeding these outcomes.”
Homicides are down 38% year-to-date through April. Just for the month of April, they were down 58%. Non-fatal shootings are down 25% year-to-date through April. They are down 39% in the month of April.
Looking at April 2024 vs. April 2023, almost all crime categories are down year-over-year:
- Violent crime is down 20%.
- Rape is down 30%.
- Carjackings are down 57%.
- Auto Theft is down 20%.
- All robberies are down 17%.
- Property crime is down 10%.
- For the month of April, all crimes were down 13%.
The January through April 2024 data is promising, as well.
January through April, all violent crime is down 9%. Carjackings are down 12%, commercial robberies are down 11%, aggravated assault is down 13%, arson is down 20% and larceny is down 6%.
From January through April, we are also seeing improved arrest and seizure data.
In that time frame, we had more than 200 robbery arrests, more than 230 stolen auto arrests and more than 870 guns seized.
Additionally, our homicide clearance rate is up dramatically to 70.5% vs. 40% at this time last year. The non-fatal clearance rate is 48.3% compared to 33.8%.
The BPD recognizes that while these numbers are trending in the right direction, there is always more work to do. We are committed to our community policing efforts, efficient deployment strategies and removing the bad actors and their illegal weapons from our streets.
As we head into the summer months, the warm weather and large-scale events bring with them extra challenges and we have faith that BPD officers can meet those challenges head-on.
Together, we can achieve a safer Baltimore.
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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.