Latest news with #GVRS
CBS News
23-07-2025
- CBS News
Baltimore's Group Violence Reduction Strategy expands in effort to reduce city's crime
Baltimore's Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS) is being expanded to South Baltimore in an effort to reduce crime throughout the city, Mayor Brandon Scott announced. Jaylen remembers being in the hospital with a bullet in his stomach. "And yet, my life has made a 360 turnaround, and Mr. Sean helped me become a man. A year ago, I had just turned 18, recovering from a gunshot wound to the stomach," said Jaylen, a Youth Advocacy Program participant. The now 20-year-old is a part of the Youth Advocacy Program (YAP) – a key part of the city's growing Group Violence Reduction Strategy. "Expanding to this area allows us to begin investigations here that will help reduce violence, not just in South Baltimore, but citywide," said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. "I grew up here. I grew up in Pigtown, and I lived in Brooklyn for about 14 years, so it's special to me. This is a continuation of our focus," added Baltimore City Police Commissioner Richard Worley. According to city officials, between January 2022 and July 15, 2025, 256 individuals identified as being at the highest risk of involvement in gun violence have received services through YAP and Roca across the Western, Southwestern, Central, and Eastern Baltimore police districts. South Baltimore is now the fifth district in the city to be a part of the GVRS. City leaders, law enforcement agencies, and community partners made the joint announcement on Wednesday morning in South Baltimore. Mayor Scott credited the GVRS program for the decrease in crime across the city. "We're seeing the impact of that," Mayor Scott said. "As you all know, in 2020, there were 335 homicides. In Baltimore last year, there were 201, and through the first six months of 2025, we've had the fewest homicides ever recorded on record through that period." City leaders explained that the gun violence strategy is based on data over five years. It focuses on reducing homicides, nonfatal shootings, and building community trust. "We are here together, because we work together on not just gvrs, but every single gun case, every murder case in the city," said Mayor Scott. Another key part of the GVRS approach is direct, consistent engagement with a small number of group-involved people who are likely to be the victim or perpetrator of violence, according to the city. According to city officials, all shootings and homicides that happen in districts where GVRS is active are reviewed, and individuals at the highest risk of violence, victimization, and retaliation are identified as prospective participants. Once identified, eligible individuals are offered rehabilitation services to help them step away from behaviors associated with violence. Those who are identified are also offered mentors or a clear mandate from community moral voice partners, such as residents and faith leaders who leverage their credibility. For those who refuse to change their behaviors, GVRS has produced 414 arrests. "Anyone who refused the rehabilitation offer from the Mayor would also be captured in that number right now," said Angela Galeano, the chief of staff for the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office. "That number pulled out is 201 in terms of GVRS prosecution." By focusing on those responsible for driving the majority of violence in Baltimore, GVRS has helped produce record reductions in homicides and nonfatal shootings across Baltimore. Compared to this time last year, the city has recorded a 24.3% decrease in homicides and an 18.4% decline in non-fatal shootings. Through June, Baltimore saw 68 homicides — the fewest in over 50 years — compared to 88 homicides in the first six months of 2024 "Since 2023, we've prosecuted more than 2,000 firearm-related violent offenders, leading to an annual average of more than 1,000 trigger pullers removed from our streets. And these aren't just statistics," Galeano said. "These are lives protected." Officials said that they hope that South Baltimore knows that GVRS is just one of many steps to invest in their neighborhoods and the next generation. "I know how to deal with conflict, and I have a better relationship with my family," Jaylen said. "Of course, taking me back, my goal is to pick up where I left off." The GVRS began in January 2022 in Baltimore's Western District. According to city data, the pilot program resulted in a significant decline in homicides and non-fatal shootings in Baltimore's most historically violent district within the first year of implementation. An external analysis by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania's Crime and Justice Policy Lab of the first 18 months of GVRS implementation in the Western District found that GVRS was associated with a 25% reduction in homicides and nonfatal shootings, as well as a 33% decrease in carjackings, with no comparable increase in arrests or displacement of crime to other districts. You can learn more about GVRS and its programs by visiting this website.
CBS News
01-07-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Baltimore City homicides and non-fatal shootings down compared to 2024, mid-year report says
Baltimore City saw a 22% decrease in homicides, and a 19% decrease in non-fatal shootings since 2024, according to the Baltimore Police Department's mid-year crime report. The updates come as positive news for city leaders who have been working to curb crime. Baltimore sees continued crime reduction Baltimore's homicides decreased from 88 in 2024 to 68 in 2025, according to the report. Non-fatal shootings decreased from 204 in 2024 to 164 in 2025. Baltimore City had a 23% reduction in homicides, and a 34% decrease in non-fatal shootings between 2023 and 2024. Tackling youth violence has been an ongoing goal of Mayor Brandon Scott, and data is showing positive progress. Teen victims of homicides dropped by 71%, from seven homicides in 2024 to two in 2025. In April, Mayor Scott sat down with WJZ to discuss the city's downward crime trends. He said the city's Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan, which aims to prevent violence with a public health approach, played a major role in reducing crime. Mr. Scott has also praised Baltimore City's Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS) for helping curb youth violence. The GVRS program aims to provide guidance and engagement to individuals who are at risk of becoming perpetrators or victims of gun violence. BPD said it also seized more than 1,300 firearms and 150 ghost guns, with an average of seven gun seizures each day. "Our continued progress is the direct result of the comprehensive, evidence-based public safety strategy that we have implemented in partnership with residents," Mayor Brandon M. Scott said. "I want to acknowledge the leadership of our community violence intervention ecosystem, MONSE, the men and women of BPD, our regional law enforcement agencies, and our partners in the State Attorney's Office, U.S. Attorney's Office, and the Office of the Attorney General. But our work is far from over." The city's homicide clearance rate, or the percentage of homicides that are solved by law enforcement, has reached 64%. The non-fatal shooting clearance rate is 44%, which is more than 20% higher than BPD's 10-year average, the department said. Other progress for the Baltimore Police Department BPD said it created a new unit, the Missing and Exploited Persons Unit (MEPU), which has assisted in increased enforcement efforts on human trafficking, internet crimes against children, and missing persons cases. The unit has made 24 arrests this year, compared to seven this time last year. BPD also said it has become compliant with two sections of its Federal Consent Decree – Transport, and Health and Wellness. The department also said it has begun the sustainment period for three other areas – Community Oversight Taskforce, First Amendment Protected Activity, and School Police.
CBS News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Youth violence reduction to be focus of Ivan Bates annual community town hall
Baltimore City State's Attorney, Ivan Bates, is hosting his second annual Public Safety Townhall, Community Conversation Tuesday. The town hall will include Bates and other city leaders, and focus on discussing strategies for reducing juvenile crime. Crime involving youth in Baltimore City Curbing violence among juveniles has been an ongoing task for Baltimore City leaders. Just Monday, two teens aged 15 and 16 were injured after a shooting in Southeast Baltimore. On April 26, two 17-year-olds were injured after a shooting in Southwest Baltimore. Days later, a group of 16 teenagers were charged with a string of violent crimes, including robbery, auto theft, and assault. The overall effort to reduce crime in the city has persisted for years, with some positive results. Baltimore Mayor Scott's crime reduction efforts Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott has implemented multiple programs to reduce youth violence, including the city's Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS). Scott has praised the program, crediting it for helping the city reach a 24% reduction in homicides, and a 34% reduction in non-fatal shootings in 2024 compared to 2023. According to the Mayor, GVRS "facilitates direct, sustained engagement with a small number of group-involved individuals who are the most likely to be the victim or perpetrator of violence." The program first launched in Baltimore's Western District in January 2022 and later expanded to the Southwestern, Central, and Eastern Districts. The city also implemented the Summer Youth Engagement Strategy. To help deter violence, the initiative established a curfew for city youth, along with specialized youth programming. Scott said that after implementing the program last summer, the number of shooting victims decreased by 66%, and the number of aggravated assault victims dropped by 31%. The programming includes 42 summer campsites through recreation and parks, and the return of the city's Rock the Block parties, midnight basketball, and parties at the Druid Hill Pool. In addition, hours at nine of the city's recreation centers throughout the city will be extended until 11 p.m. every Friday and Saturday from June 20 until Aug. 16.
CBS News
09-04-2025
- CBS News
City leaders to announce takedown of group connected to drug trafficking in south Baltimore
Baltimore City leaders, including Mayor Brandon Scott, and Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown will announce the takedown of a group who they allege is connected to violence and fentanyl overdoses in South Baltimore. The takedown is one of multiple recent busts as a result of Baltimore's Group Violence Reduction Strategy. In a major takedown dubbed 'Operation Tornado Alley' , police targeted four criminal organizations operating in Southwest Baltimore. The six-month-long investigation that ended in Nov. 2024 involved collaboration with between city and federal law enforcement led to the recovery of nearly $400,000 in cash, large amounts of cocaine and fentanyl, and the seizure of nearly 70 guns. The evidence also included 15 stolen cars. After the takedown, police said they put a stop to a planned murder. The bust resulted in the indictment of nearly 40 individuals, ranging from ages 16 through 60. Investigators said the group operated in the 2000 block of West Pratt Street; the 500 block of Millington Avenue; the 1700 block of Lemmon Street; and the 2800 block of Edmondson Avenue. Baltimore's GVRS program has been credited as being a driving force behind the reduction of violent crime in the city. Baltimore City Mayor Scott says the program has helped Baltimore achieve significant drops in gun violence. Homicides went down 23% in 2024, with a total of 201 compared to 261 homicides in 2023.
CBS News
18-03-2025
- CBS News
Two sentenced for leading violent drug trafficking organization, Maryland AG says
Two Baltimore men were sentenced Monday for leading a violent drug trafficking organization in Baltimore City, according to the Maryland Attorney General's Office. James Brunson, 41, and Ernest Hudson, 38, were charged with conspiring to supervise a criminal organization, among other charges. The organization operated in Baltimore City's Shipley Booth-Boyd and Fayette Street neighborhoods. Hudson pleaded guilty on August 12 to several charges including supervising a criminal organization, distribution of a large amount of fentanyl, and possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison, with the first 5 years to be served without the possibility of parole. Brunson pleaded guilty on March 10 to several charges, including conspiring to supervise a criminal organization and the illegal possession of a regulated firearm, the AG said. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with the first 15 years suspended in favor of 3 years supervised probation. The first five years of his sentenced will be served without the possibility of parole. In March 2023, 33 individuals were indicted following a 16-month organization. The operation was a collaborative effort between the Maryland Attorney General's Office and the Baltimore Police Department. "Cases like this one that remove guns, drugs, and dangerous people from our streets make our communities safer and serve as a clear warning: if you choose to spread violence and terrorize our neighbors, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and you will be held fully accountable," Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said. The 33 indicted individuals, aged 21 to 54, face charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances and firearms offenses. The organization relied on a "complex hierarchy of suppliers, managers, street lieutenants, and low-level street dealers," distributing heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, the AG said in a statement . Officials said the gang used violence, and the threat of violence, to enforce their territory in south, southwest, and west Baltimore. Three of the suspects were charged with first-degree attempted murder related to shootings captured on camera. Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott commented, noting that the city's Group Violence Reduction Strategy has played a role in reducing crime. "GVRS continues to allow us to pursue the violent groups who are most responsible for harming our communities," Scott said. "While we offer those at the highest risk of violence a way out of life through services and life coaching, we have to balance support for those who want it with accountability for those who choose to continue to use guns and participate in violent groups." Mayor Scott has frequently mentioned the GVRS program in discussions of reducing violent crime in the city. The program , which pairs community violence intervention with proactive policing - has been implemented in four of the nine police districts in Baltimore. Scott credited the program for the 34% decrease in non-fatal shootings between 2023 and 2024 in Baltimore City. The city also saw a 74% reduction in teen victims of homicides and non-fatal shootings in 2024. Homicides and non-fatal shootings in Baltimore are down compared to this time last year, Scott said last month . Scott has said more work remains to continue reducing violence. "My administration remains committed to approaching public safety the right way, emphasizing violence prevention & intervention alongside law enforcement, and working with partners across all levels of government, in the judicial system, and – most importantly – in our communities," the mayor said in a social media post last month .
