Baltimore’s top prosecutor, Ivan Bates, has announced a significant decline in the city’s murder rate, attributing the progress to a focused strategy against repeat violent offenders and the implementation of mandatory minimum sentences. This approach, which prioritizes accountability, has led to a 23% reduction in homicides and a 34% decrease in non-fatal shootings since the start of his tenure. The city’s murder rate has dropped to 201 in 2024 from 261 in 2023, with non-fatal shootings declining from 635 to 414 during the same period.
Bates outlined the key elements of his successful strategy, emphasizing the use of mandatory minimum sentencing for repeat violent offenders caught with illegal firearms. In Maryland, this provision allows prosecutors to impose at least five years in prison without parole for such individuals, a policy that was not widely enforced previously. By targeting these offenders, Bates’ office has managed to keep high-risk individuals away from the streets, reducing the occurrence of violent incidents. This targeted approach, combined with collaboration with police and federal prosecutors, has been instrumental in the city’s progress.
According to data from the Baltimore Police Department (BPD), the city has also seen significant improvements in clearance rates for both homicides and non-fatal shootings. By the end of 2024, the homicide clearance rate was 64%, and the non-fatal shooting clearance rate reached 44%. In the first six months of 2025, the city reported a 64% homicide clearance rate and a 44% rate for non-fatal shootings, along with the seizure of over 1,300 firearms, including 150 ghost guns.
Bates acknowledged that while the progress is promising, additional work is required to address other forms of crime and violence. Mayor Brandon M. Scott emphasized that the city must continue to implement comprehensive, evidence-based public safety strategies in partnership with residents. Although the city’s crime numbers are at historic lows, officials are committed to further reducing remaining issues and improving economic conditions to support long-term public safety.
Moreover, Bates highlighted the importance of a balanced approach to crime reduction, combining strict sentencing with rehabilitation efforts. He emphasized the need for incarcerated individuals to receive skills training and education to prepare them for reintegration into society. This dual strategy aims to reduce recidivism and improve employment prospects for those returning to the community. Bates also pointed out the importance of expanding the number of prosecutors in his office to handle the increased caseloads, noting that the office has grown from 140 to 200 prosecutors under his leadership.
Bates’ strategy has not only been effective in reducing crime but has also served as a model for other cities facing similar challenges. He argued that the role of the prosecutor is crucial in implementing effective law enforcement measures, as the presence of a prosecutor who enforces strict accountability can significantly alter public attitudes toward crime. By demonstrating a commitment to public safety, Baltimore’s approach is seen as a potential template for other urban areas struggling with violent crime and weak law enforcement.
In addition to the criminal justice reforms, Bates has also called for additional federal grants to expand his efforts further. He believes that sustained investment in public safety initiatives is necessary to maintain the progress being made and to continue attracting investment and residents back to the city. Overall, the city’s commitment to a comprehensive approach to crime reduction, encompassing both law enforcement and rehabilitation, has been a key factor in the recent decline in violent crime in Baltimore.