By Jessica Brown

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Baltimore has been heralded for its groundbreaking efforts in reducing violence, securing the second-highest rank nationally in the Community Justice Action Fund’s (CJAF) 2024 Violence Prevention Index (VPI). A year-over-year improvement, Baltimore’s score climbed from 72 to an impressive 85. This ranking underscores the city’s commitment to public health-focused interventions and preventative measures in combating violence under Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s leadership.

According to the City of Baltimore press release, the city has seen a significant 23% reduction in homicides and a 34% decrease in non-fatal shootings in 2024, compared to the previous year. The trend continues with an additional drop of 30.3% and 21.4% in homicides and nonfatal shootings, respectively, as of yesterday. Mayor Scott has stood by his strategy, even in the face of opposition, citing that, “I have been committed to this strategy from day one- even when it was not the popular approach- because it is the right thing to do.”

The VPI Report, the sole national analysis of its kind, evaluates cities across the U.S. on how effectively they’re addressing gun violence and other violent crimes through programs, policies, and services. Cities are rated based on three criteria: intervention and risk factor reduction, addressing the root causes of violence, and establishing local offices of violence prevention.