Baltimore Ranks #2 in the Nation for Violence Prevention Strategy

13-Point Leap for Baltimore in 2024 Violence Prevention Index Report

BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, October 8, 2025) - Today, the Community Justice Action Fund (CJAF) released their 2024 Violence Prevention Index (VPI) report, with Baltimore receiving the second-best score in the nation (85). Baltimore ranked second out of 100 cities for its innovative, public health-centered approaches to violence intervention and prevention, guided by Mayor Scott's Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan.

This year's score is 13 points higher than Baltimore's 2023 score of 72. In 2024, Baltimore saw a 23% decrease in homicides and a 34% decline in non-fatal shootings by deepening investments in community violence intervention, focused deterrence, and trauma support resources. As of October 8, 2025, homicides have continued to drop by an additional 30.3% and nonfatal shootings by an additional 21.4%, on top of the reductions the city experienced in 2024.

"I have been committed to this strategy from day one- even when it was not the popular approach- because it is the right thing to do," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "Today, thanks to the tireless efforts of our partners across the community violence intervention ecosystem, Baltimore is safer than it's been in my lifetime. But we know that as far as we have come, we have even further to go. We remain focused on supporting and expanding the strategies that we know are working for Baltimore."

The Violence Prevention Index and Scorecard is the only national analysis of cities' programs, policies, and services, measuring efforts to reduce gun violence and other forms of violence. The VPI Report evaluates cities on three criteria: Intervention and Risk Factor Reduction, Addressing the Root Causes of Violence, and Local Offices of Violence Prevention.

"We are grateful to Community Justice for measuring the work being done across American cities to build policies, investments, and strategies designed to prevent and intervene in violence," said Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement Director Stefanie Mavronis. "We are proud of Baltimore's strong standing for our historic progress decreasing gun violence by implementing a strategy that includes prevention and intervention alongside traditional public safety approaches. One homicide is one too many and this index is an important tool to inform our continued work to create a safer, stronger city for all."

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