Posted on 10/12/23
Baltimore, MD - Oct. 12, 2023 - On Wednesday, the Baltimore City Council conducted a special public safety hearing with city police and city leaders about the ongoing crime issue, according to WMAR2News. Despite statistics showing a decrease in overall crime, many residents still report feeling unsafe. Commissioner Richard Worley highlighted that while homicides have decreased, there's been a rise in street robberies by about 4%. Notably, over 2,200 guns have been seized this year, including a significant number of 'ghost guns'. The council discussed the Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS) which, after a successful pilot in the southwestern district, is planned to expand citywide. Worley also brought attention to a worrying trend of carjackings, especially targeting women at gas stations, and an alarming 200% rise in auto thefts. He expressed concerns about increasing youth violence, which currently matches last year's total. The city is collaborating with federal partners to trace the origin of guns entering Baltimore. Worley emphasized that increased police visibility on the streets could significantly enhance public sentiments of safety.