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Community Program Aims to Ensure Safety for Baltimore Students
In January, Willie Darden stood watch at a corner by Cross Street Market, observing Baltimore high schoolers as they made their way to the bus stop. A supportive figure in their lives, Darden serves as a mentor through the Movement Team, one of five organizations included in the city’s “Safe Passage Baltimore” initiative. This program is designed to provide safe travel for students commuting to and from school while reducing incidents that involve students.
“Kids often won’t heed their parents’ advice, but they tend to listen to us,” Darden noted, emphasizing the program’s importance in guiding youth.
According to data shared by the mayor’s office, the implementation of Safe Passage has correlated with a reduction in violence near schools. However, not all local businesses share this optimistic view; some report ongoing issues with student behavior that disrupts their operations, suggesting that further measures are necessary to restore order in the vicinity during school release times.
Launched in 2023, the Safe Passage program is funded by the city through the Family League of Baltimore, which allocated $525,000 for the initiative this year. In the initial months, Safe Passage organizations engaged over 8,000 students, reportedly improving their perception of personal safety, as articulated by officials.
Recent statistics indicate a 10.8% and 10.9% decrease in violence within two miles of Digital Harbor High School and the Academy for College and Career Exploration (ACCE) respectively, both of which became part of the Safe Passage program at the beginning of the current academic year.
Concerns from Local Businesses
Despite the overall positive results cited by the program, local businesses near these schools express concern regarding student conduct. At a nearby Starbucks, employees shared experiences of unruly behavior among students, including damage to property and disruptive antics inside the store, which left them feeling unsupported.
“It often feels like we aren’t receiving enough assistance,” said supervisor Mia Sanchez, who described recent incidents involving disruptive students.
While some employees at another local eatery, Bella Roma, highlighted previous issues such as vandalism and theft, they noted that disturbances have diminished recently, though they still desire more order during school dismissal times.
In contrast, community engagement specialists associated with We Our Us, a participant in the Safe Passage program, report improvements since their intervention. They’ve observed a reduction in negative behaviors and a greater sense of safety in the area.
“We ensure that safe spaces are maintained, preventing bad actions from occurring,” said Jordan Ragin, one of the community specialists.
Need for Continued Collaboration
A spokesperson from the police department mentioned ongoing efforts to collaborate with local businesses to tackle issues. They acknowledged the notable decrease in crimes around schools, but also recognized that challenges persist.
The spokesperson highlighted that juvenile homicide and non-fatal shooting rates have seen a significant decline of 74% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Currently, the Safe Passage team is targeting specific success metrics, including a reduction in violence, fewer complaints from local residents and businesses, and improved student attendance. Authorities are closely monitoring aggravated assaults and robbery statistics.
Community Insights and Future Prospects
City Councilman Mark Conway, chair of the public safety committee, acknowledged the public’s concern regarding youth behavior. He emphasized that while most students behave well, there are instances of trouble that necessitate intervention.
Highlighting the significance of adult presence in deterring misbehavior, Conway suggested that expanding the Safe Passage approach could be beneficial for other schools in the city as well.
Darden is committed to fostering positive relationships with the youth in his area, emphasizing the importance of mentorship. He aims to engage with students both before and after school, at times providing personal support to those who reach out to him during difficult moments.
Reflecting on his own challenging upbringing, Darden is determined to provide guidance and foster understanding among students, believing that his experiences can serve as a valuable lesson for them.
“If I could stand out here for all the wrong things I was doing,” he stated, “then I surely can stand out here for something good.”
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