As reported crime falls, what's working and what's not? We ask a community organizer and the State's Attorney's Office

By Teria Rogers,

Published August 15, 2025 at 12:02 PM EDT

Messages of support and a photo of Izaiah Carter, a 16-year-old Patterson High School shot and killed in early March, can be seen on one of Forno Restaurant and Wine Bar’s sandwich boards. Carter had been an employee at the restaurant. Nine people under 18 have been murdered in Baltimore since Jan. 1, including a 12-year-old boy who was fatally shot with an assault-style rifle Saturday night in Westport. Another 29 city children have been victims of nonfatal shootings this year, according to Baltimore Police. (photo credit Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner) — Messages of support and a photo of Izaiah Carter, a 16-year-old Patterson High School shot and killed in March 2023. (photo credit Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner)

As of August 1, homicides in Baltimore are down 24.3% compared to 2024.

Mayor Brandon Scott says says many different sources deserve credit for the reduction, including the police department and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE).

But what role does the City State’s Attorney’s Office play in curbing the violence? Additionally, how are community groups working directly with neighborhoods and residents to make the city safer?

Today, Midday gets two perspectives on the work of curbing gun violence. We hear from Hassan Giordano, the Chief of External Affairs for the City's State's Attorney's Office, and Brandon Wilson, Manager of the Stop the Beef Hotline at violence intervention organization, We Our US.

WYPR's Gabe Ortis guest hosts.