Baltimore's Crime Fight: What's Next?

Baltimore has seen some good news lately. Crime rates have been going down. In 2025, the city saw a big drop in gun violence. There were nearly 30% fewer killings. This is the second year in a row with fewer than 200 homicides. Mayor Brandon Scott says this is because of the city's plan to stop violence. But why is this happening? Some say it's because of new leaders. John Dedie, a political analyst, thinks the change in the State's Attorney's Office made a big difference. He points to Ivan Bates' tough stance on crime. Bates' famous quote, "bring your toothbrush, " shows his no-nonsense approach.But Baltimore isn't alone. Other places in Maryland and the country are seeing similar drops in crime. Rodney Hill, a law professor, says this is due to smart policing and social programs. He believes the city is on the right track. However, Hill says there's still more work to do. He thinks the city should focus on areas with high crime rates and repeat offenders. He also says that while crime stats are important, they don't mean much to victims. So, what's next for Baltimore? The city has made progress, but the fight against crime is far from over. The new year will be a test of how much more can be done.