Baltimore, MD (July 1, 2026) — During the first half of 2026, the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) continued to achieve historic reductions in homicides and other major crime categories while maintaining clearance rates that significantly exceed national averages. In addition to these public safety gains, the Department has made substantial progress in officer retention, recruitment, and Consent Decree compliance, while continuing to strengthen partnerships with residents and law enforcement agencies to build a safer Baltimore.

 As of July 1, 2026, homicides are down 23% (50 in 2026 v. 65 in 2025) and non-fatal shootings are down 2.5 % (150 in 2026 v. 165 in 2025).  

BPD continues to achieve clearance rates above the national average, with a homicide clearance rate of 60%. The Department's non-fatal shooting clearance rate has increased by more than 12 percentage points since this time last year, reaching 54%. Robbery clearances stand at 48%, compared to the national average of 27.6%, and aggravated assault clearances have reached 73%, well surpassing the national benchmark of 46%. 

These strong clearance rates are driven in large part by the exceptional work of the Criminal Investigation Division, coupled with community support and partnerships. The Warrant Apprehension Task Force (WATF) has made 1,006 arrests through the first half of 2026, an increase of 146 arrests compared to the same period last year. 

“Our clearance rates are the result of a true team effort involving our detectives, patrol officers, specialized investigative units, Crime Lab professionals, and many other professional members whose expertise is essential to solving crimes and holding offenders accountable,” said Police Commissioner Richard Worley. “Every case we solve brings justice to victims and their families and makes our neighborhoods safer. Our progress in the first half of 2026, is a true testament to the commitment of our members and the strong partnerships we have with the communities we serve.”

In April, BPD achieved sustained compliance with three addition sections of the Consent Decree, bringing the total number of sections removed from federal oversight to five. In addition, the Department has completed reviews of all Level 3 use-of-force incidents, maintaining full compliance with Consent Decree requirements and achieving greater than 90% compliance across its core accountability audits, including:

• Procedural Justice
• Youth Interactions
• Transportation of Persons in Police Custody
• Sexual Assault Investigations and Response
• Behavioral Health Encounters

"There's a reason why BPD's clearance rates are higher than the national average: they are doing better policework than their peers," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "I want to thank the entire department for their work to make our neighborhoods safer alongside our community violence intervention ecosystem, MONSE, prosecutors, regional law enforcement agencies, and most importantly, our residents. The first half of this year is a continuation of the progress we've made in recent years, but we know that our work is not over. As we enter the second half of the year and beyond, we will continue to double down on the community-driven, evidence-based strategies that are making our neighborhoods safer." 

The Department's Forensic Science and Evidence Services Division continues to excel following its national reaccreditation and recognition. Most recently, the Crime Laboratory earned a Gold Standard compliance score under the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) Minimum Required Operating Standards (MROS). Additionally, the Laboratory Section has reduced its forensic backlog by 20% since the beginning of the year. 

2026 Mid-Year Key Highlights:

• Improved officer retention: The Department has significantly reduced early-career attrition, with first-year attrition declining by nearly 50%. This improvement reflects stronger academy retention, higher-quality applicants, and increased retention during officers' critical early years of service.

   

• Recruitment: Police officer applications are up 6%, and the Recruitment Unit has visited 15 high schools to promote the Cadet Program as a pathway to a career in law enforcement. Recruitment has received 189 Cadet applications, with 14 Cadets hired thus far in 2026. 

   

• Vacancy Reduction Efforts: Continued progress filling critical professional positions, with professional hiring outpacing attrition by more than two-to-one.

• Traffic Enforcement: The Department launched the Citywide Traffic Team (CTT), increasing enforcement of out-of-state registration violations and dangerous driving behaviors. BPD also expanded enforcement efforts targeting illegal dirt bikes and other unauthorized vehicles operating on city streets.

   

• Youth Engagement: BPD’s Junior Cadets Program reached full capacity with 90 participants, with 21 senior cadets graduating from high school and the program this spring.

• Neurodivergent Database: Launched a voluntary database to help officers better serve and communicate with neurodivergent community members during police interactions. BPD also continues to leverage grant funding to support several community-based initiatives such as Autism and Intellectual Disability curriculum at annual in-service training.

• Community Engagement: BPD, in partnership with MONSE, established the first Community Action Lab in the Northern District to strengthen collaboration between residents and police. A second cohort is scheduled to begin in late summer/fall.

• Advisory Boards: BPD's Youth Advisory Board successfully completed its inaugural year, while the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Board has hosted its first two meetings to strengthen engagement and partnerships with Baltimore's LGBTQIA+ community.

• Safe Places Program: Expanded the Safe Places network to 194 participating businesses, providing additional safe locations for individuals seeking assistance.

*Attached is the most recent Citywide Executive Summary, which is from January 1, 2026 through June 27, 2026. 

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BPD Mission Statement

The Baltimore Police Department is dedicated to upholding the Constitution and enforcing laws in a fair, impartial, and ethical manner. We commit to creating and maintaining a culture of service that builds trust and legitimacy in all communities, values the sanctity of human life, and provides for the safety and well-being of all.