Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland reported a continued decrease in violent crime across the state in 2024. Homicides and non-fatal shootings have declined, with Baltimore City experiencing its third consecutive year of reduced violent-crime rates.
Since 2021, homicides statewide have dropped by 32 percent. Baltimore City recorded 201 homicides in 2024, marking a 41-percent reduction over the same period. The U.S. Attorney’s Office attributes this trend to collaborative efforts between Federal, State, and City law enforcement agencies and community partners.
“I’m very proud of the leadership that this office’s public servants have shown in coordinating law enforcement and community efforts throughout Maryland and beyond to protect our nation and promote safer communities,” stated U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron. “We will continue to be a force-multiplier for the work of our various Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies, and community-based partners.”
These efforts align with the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which unites all levels of law enforcement with communities to reduce violence and enhance safety. Recent data shows that strong collaborations have led to significant reductions in violence; Baltimore City recorded its lowest homicide total since 2011.
In Baltimore City specifically, multi-jurisdictional collaboration has resulted in several initiatives:
- Assembling the largest-ever state-funded team of special federal prosecutors along with legal and investigative professionals to prosecute firearm offenses more effectively.
- Investigating and prosecuting repeat violent offenders using any legal means necessary has led to notable prosecutions.
- Utilizing a multi-agency taskforce from the U.S. Attorney’s Office to federally prosecute violent criminal organizations while assisting local partners with impactful prosecutions.
These strategic efforts have also contributed to reducing unnecessary incarceration costs. Since 2018, there has been a 40-percent decline in federal pre-trial detention rates due to strategic law enforcement practices combined with prevention and intervention methods.
For further information on initiatives by the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office or resources available for community assistance, visit justice.gov/usao-md or https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
