TOWSON, MD—Officials this week announced that Baltimore County has continued to experience sharp declines in homicides and nonfatal shootings over the first half of 2024.

Baltimore County has reported a 31% decrease in homicides and a 30% decrease in nonfatal shootings through July 2024, compared to the same time period in 2021. Officials say this is a significant milestone in the county’s efforts to reduce violence and make it a safer place to live.

According to data released by the county, there were 11 homicides in the first half of 2024, which is a 31% decrease year over year and a 66% decrease when compared to the same time period in 2021. The number of nonfatal shootings has also declined by more than 30% during this period.

“The safety and well-being of our residents remains our top priority and I thank Chief Robert McCullough and the brave men and women of the Baltimore County Police Department for their relentless efforts to ensure Baltimore County continues to be a safe place to live, work and raise a family,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “We will continue do whatever is necessary to constantly innovate and modernize our crime fighting strategies to keep our neighborhoods safe and secure for years to come.”

“I want to recognize and thank the members of the Baltimore County Police Department for their dedication and commitment to keeping our communities safe and holding those responsible accountable for their actions,” said Chief Robert O. McCullough. “This reduction in homicides and non-fatal shootings is a testament to the relationships the Department has fostered to ensure every member of our community feels safe and secure.”

The county’s efforts to reduce violence are also supported by the strong partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The Baltimore County Police Department says it is committed to staying up-to-date on the latest crime-fighting technologies and practices in order to ensure the safety of residents.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.