Baltimore Expands Violence Reduction Program to Northern District

City officials cite drop in crime rates in other areas as reason for expansion.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:13pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent shell casing on a dark, gritty surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the harsh realities of gun violence in Baltimore.A stark reminder of the toll of gun violence, this close-up of a spent shell casing exposes the harsh realities Baltimore faces in its efforts to curb crime.Baltimore Today

Baltimore City is expanding its group violence reduction strategy to the Northern District, a program that uses ex-offenders to mediate disputes before violence occurs. The move comes as city officials have seen a drop in crime rates in other parts of the city.

Why it matters

Baltimore has long struggled with high rates of violent crime, and the group violence reduction strategy is part of the city's broader efforts to address this issue. The expansion to the Northern District signals a commitment to taking this approach citywide.

The details

The group violence reduction strategy employs former offenders to intervene in disputes and mediate conflicts before they escalate into violence. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott stated that '133 lives is 133 too many' and that 'one life is one too many.' Police Commissioner Richard Worley warned those involved in violence to 'be ready to put down the guns and step away from violence,' adding that the police 'will respond quickly and decisively' if they do not.

  • The group violence reduction strategy has been implemented in other parts of Baltimore, leading to a drop in crime rates.
  • Mayor Scott plans to eventually expand the initiative to the entire city.

The players

Brandon Scott

The mayor of Baltimore City.

Richard Worley

The Baltimore Police Commissioner.

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What they’re saying

“'133 lives is 133 too many. Because one life is one too many'”

— Brandon Scott, Mayor of Baltimore City

“'Be ready to put down the guns and step away from violence. We're here to help. But if you choose not to, we will respond quickly and decisively.'”

— Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Commissioner

What’s next

Mayor Scott plans to eventually expand the group violence reduction strategy to the entire city of Baltimore.

The takeaway

Baltimore's expansion of its group violence reduction program to the Northern District demonstrates the city's commitment to addressing its long-standing issues with violent crime through a multi-faceted approach that includes community engagement and conflict mediation.