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Baltimore’s Innovative Approach to Reducing Gun Violence
Baltimore, once emblematic of urban crime challenges, is now being recognized for its significant progress in reducing gun violence, outpacing other major U.S. cities in decline rates, as reported by the Center for American Progress.
A key strategy in this transformation is the involvement of individuals with direct experiences of crime. These former offenders are not just sidelined; they are actively engaged in efforts to mitigate violence in their communities.
Among them is Sean Wees, who grew up in the Brooklyn neighborhood of south Baltimore. Wees witnessed violence throughout his youth, an experience that became tragically personal in 2015 when his younger brother Nadeem was murdered at the age of 24. This loss, part of a grim tally of nearly 300 shooting fatalities that year in Baltimore, prompted Wees to reevaluate his life choices.
In the years following this traumatic event, Wees became part of Safe Streets Baltimore, a city-operated anti-violence initiative that started in 2007. This program takes a novel public health perspective by employing individuals with criminal histories as “trusted messengers.”
“Building trust is essential for this work,” Wees explained, highlighting the program’s design as community-centric. “We’re motivated every day because we are from Brooklyn.”
Wees leads a team that patrols areas known for high violence, dressed in identifiable bright orange uniforms. Their presence in “hot zones” serves multiple purposes: mediating disputes, providing resources, including food and job training, and offering a vital support network for community members.
“They recognize that we’re here for them, and they can approach us about anything,” Wees stated, emphasizing the significance of support in creating a safer environment.
City officials credit this grassroots approach for Brooklyn’s remarkable achievement of 472 consecutive days without a homicide. Across Baltimore, overall gun deaths have decreased by 45% in the last six years, according to a CBS News analysis.
Baltimore’s success is echoed in other cities. According to gun safety advocacy group Everytown, 41 states have allocated funds for similar violence intervention initiatives. Evidence from cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, and Richmond, California indicates these programs have led to a reduction in shootings and homicides by over 30%.
“For years, we mistakenly placed the entire burden of reducing violence on law enforcement, and that was a mistake,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. He acknowledged the complexities involved in addressing the roots of violence, commenting on the necessity of engaging those who have firsthand knowledge of these issues: “To truly tackle this problem, we need to consult and involve those who understand it best.”
Despite the positive outcomes, Wees remains cautious, asserting that while progress has been made, the journey towards comprehensive solutions is ongoing. “There’s plenty of work left to do,” he remarked, reflecting the continual commitment required to sustain and improve upon the gains achieved so far.
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