Baltimore Expands Successful Violence Reduction Program to Northern District

Mayor Scott and city leaders to announce expansion of GVRS strategy and drug trafficking indictments

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:34pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police evidence marker or crime scene tape against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the city's efforts to address violent crime through a collaborative public safety program.The expansion of Baltimore's Group Violence Reduction Strategy aims to curb gun violence and build trust between law enforcement and local communities.Baltimore Today

Baltimore City is expanding its successful Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS) to the city's northern district, according to an announcement planned for Thursday by Mayor Brandon Scott and other city officials. GVRS was launched in 2022 with the goal of reducing homicides, shootings, and improving police-community relations. During the press conference, city leaders will also detail drug trafficking indictments related to a violent group operating in the Edmondson Village community.

Why it matters

The expansion of GVRS to the northern district signals the city's commitment to addressing gun violence and community-police trust issues across all neighborhoods. The announcement of drug trafficking indictments also demonstrates the city's multi-pronged approach to tackling violent crime and its root causes.

The details

GVRS is a collaborative effort between the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, the Baltimore Police Department, and the state's attorney's office. The program focuses on identifying and engaging with individuals at the highest risk of being involved in gun violence, providing them with support services and alternatives to violence.

  • GVRS was launched by the city in 2022.
  • The expansion to the northern district will be announced on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 2 p.m.

The players

Mayor Brandon Scott

The mayor of Baltimore City who will be announcing the GVRS expansion and drug trafficking indictments.

Baltimore Police Department

A partner agency in the GVRS program, working to reduce gun violence and improve community relations.

Baltimore State's Attorney's Office

A partner agency in the GVRS program, working to prosecute violent offenders and disrupt criminal networks.

Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement

The city agency that launched and oversees the GVRS program.

Edmondson Village Community

A Baltimore neighborhood where a violent drug trafficking group was operating, leading to the indictments being announced.

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What they’re saying

“The expansion of GVRS to the northern district is a critical step in our citywide efforts to reduce gun violence and strengthen police-community relations.”

— Mayor Brandon Scott

What’s next

Following the announcement, the city will begin the process of implementing GVRS in the northern district, including identifying high-risk individuals, connecting them with support services, and working to disrupt violent criminal networks.

The takeaway

Baltimore's comprehensive approach to addressing gun violence, which combines targeted law enforcement, community engagement, and social services, is showing promising results and is now being expanded to reach more neighborhoods in need.