Group Violence Reduction Strategy

“In many ways, I think today we mark the closure of that chapter of uncertainty that has plagued our city — and close it for good,” said Mayor Brandon Scott.

Brandon Scott’s administration has seen high turnover in top offices. But the city has also seen reductions in homicides and vacant housing, issues that have plagued Baltimore for decades.

Through “Operation Tornado Alley” state, local and federal law enforcement officials worked together to dismantle “criminal organizations” peddling drugs in southwest Baltimore.

City leaders held a news conference at Baltimore’s Police Headquarters Thursday, announcing the takedown of another drug organization operating in East Baltimore.

Across most of the country, levels of gun violence remain high after a surge between 2019 and 2021.

“The old way was broken” says Scott on crime and city services.

A study from the University of Pennsylvania into the first 18 months of the Group Violence Reduction Strategy in western Baltimore suggests the program reduced gun violence by 25%.

The city held its annual Vigil of Remembrance to speak the names of the dead and honor those lost to homicide, overdose, and suicide. This year was the first time it had been held fully in-person since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

City leaders announce the takedown of a West Baltimore Drug Trafficking Organization as part of Baltimore’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS).

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott cites a 19% reduction in homicides and 18% reduction in non-fatal shootings over this time last year.