More than 40 Events Held Across Baltimore to Promote Public Safety, Build Trust in Communities

BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, August 13, 2024) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott was joined by state leaders, city officials, law enforcement partners at National Night Out events across Baltimore City. Scott Administration officials and city leaders attended a total of more than 40 events across Baltimore after the day of festivities and community building was rescheduled from August 6 due to inclement weather.

"Every year, National Night Out is an opportunity for communities and public safety agencies to come together, strengthen relationships, and recommit ourselves to building a better, safer Baltimore," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "This work doesn't stop after today - building these connections is an ongoing process that takes collaboration day-in and day-out. But these events are an important platform to build a better sense of community and togetherness, to boost engagement and cooperation, and to pave the way for the Baltimore we all want to help build - one where everyone feels safe and protected regardless of race, ethnicity, or zip code."

Since taking office in December of 2020, Mayor Scott has made strengthening public safety a top priority. Through the creation of the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE), and in partnership with the Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore residents, Mayor Scott implemented Baltimore's first-ever Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan (CVPP). As part of this strategy, Mayor Scott and BPD leadership have emphasized community-oriented policing in line with the Department's Consent Decree requirements and as a way to build, strengthen, and repair relationships between law enforcement and residents. This approach understands that constitutional and proactive policing strategies are the most effective ways to improve public safety.

"The BPD is committed to creating a safer city in partnership and cooperation with the communities we serve," said Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley. "The tradition of National Night Out is vital as we work to build trust and celebrate our communities and this year's events are a great way to enjoy these partnerships and strengthen our bonds."

Now, in its fourth year, Baltimore is continuing to see significant progress in reducing gun violence following a 20 percent drop in homicides in 2023. As of Tuesday, August 13, 2024, homicides are down approximately 29 percent (120 in 2024 vs. 169 in 2023) and nonfatal shootings are down 39 percent (249 in 2024 vs. 411 in 2023).

"Today is about listening to our neighbors, building bridges, and strengthening ties to our communities," said MONSE Director Stefanie Mavronis. "We know that together, through collaboration, mutual respect, and compassion, we can build a Baltimore where everyone feels safe and protected."

"National Night Out is a crucial event that underscores the importance of building strong, positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities we serve," said State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates. "By coming together in unity, we foster trust, open communication, and a shared commitment to creating safer neighborhoods. Through these meaningful connections, we can work collaboratively to address challenges, celebrate successes, ensure justice and safety for all residents, and continue to build for a better Baltimore."

"National Night Out represents our collective commitment to fostering safer, and stronger communities, where everyone can feel secure and supported, in every neighborhood across the US. It provides an annual opportunity for our city to collectively come together, strengthen our bonds, and stand united against the violence that has long affected our families and neighborhoods and forge a partnership between those communities and police," said City Council President Nick Mosby.

National Night Out began in 1984 as a nationwide campaign to connect residents to law enforcement in an effort to foster positive relations between officers and the communities they serve. In Baltimore, a city of neighborhoods, community associations host events both individually and collaboratively to meet officers and city leaders and discuss safety concerns unique to their communities.