In 2021, Baltimore received $641 million through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a federal funding initiative introduced to address the economic and public health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Baltimore allocated 10.3%—approximately $61 million—of these funds to public safety. Notably, Baltimore diverged from many other U.S. cities by directing a more substantial proportion of its public safety budget toward violence prevention and reduction measures, rather than allocating the majority to police funding.
A Holistic Approach to Public Safety
Mayor Brandon Scott’s Vision
Mayor Brandon Scott has consistently advocated a holistic approach to tackling violence in the city. Before the pandemic funding was distributed, he emphasized the need to address the root causes of violence alongside immediate interventions. His administration believes that this integrated strategy, which combines social initiatives with law enforcement, is crucial to achieving sustained reductions in crime. With an unwavering commitment to this vision, Baltimore’s allocation of ARPA funds puts a strong emphasis on violence reduction and prevention efforts. A significant portion, 74.2%, of the city’s public safety funds were dedicated to these initiatives, compared to 28.3% in other cities. This commitment has been funneled primarily through the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE), established to implement community-driven, public health solutions to violence.
MONSE’s Key Programs
MONSE administers several key programs aimed at curbing violence. The Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS) is one of the most prominent, offering resources such as education, job training, and cognitive behavioral therapy to individuals at acute risk of involvement in gun violence. These resources are designed not only to deter immediate violent acts but also to address underlying social and economic factors that contribute to such behaviors. Another significant program is Safe Streets, which employs credible messengers, including ex-felons, to mediate conflicts and prevent violence before it occurs. This initiative has faced some controversy, but it also reports success in specific neighborhoods, with some going a year without homicides.
The ARPA funds also supported the fire department, which received 15.2% of the public safety budget, while the police department received 10.5%. In comparison, other cities allocated much larger portions of their ARPA public safety budgets to police departments, such as Los Angeles, which directed over $300 million to police salaries, and Detroit, which used $5 million of its funds for police bonuses. This funding distribution underscores Baltimore’s unique approach to public safety amidst a broader conversation about the most effective methods for reducing crime and ensuring community well-being.
The Debate Over Violence Prevention Programs
Skepticism and Criticism
Despite the praise for MONSE and its various initiatives, some skeptics remain unconvinced of the efficacy of violence prevention programs. Critics like Peter Moskos and Charles Fain Lehman argue that these programs often yield mixed results and believe that traditional policing is a more reliable method for reducing crime. They cite studies indicating that increased police presence correlates with a decrease in crime rates. Critics express concern that resources diverted from traditional policing could potentially undermine short-term crime response capabilities, especially in areas with high violent crime rates.
On the other hand, while acknowledging the importance of addressing social issues, they stress that immediate safety often hinges on a visible law enforcement presence that can deter potential offenders. This perspective fuels ongoing debates about the balance of resource allocation between law enforcement and preventative measures, underscoring the complexity of designing effective public safety strategies.
Support and Success Stories
Supporters of Baltimore’s approach highlight the notable decline in city homicides and nonfatal shootings over the past two years. This reduction is partly attributed to the collaborative efforts between MONSE, the police department, and the state’s attorney’s office. A study from the University of Pennsylvania’s Crime and Justice Policy Lab found that GVRS helped to lower homicides and shootings in specific areas of Baltimore. These findings provide empirical support for the city’s multifaceted violence prevention strategy and its potential for broader application.
While there are differing opinions on the best way to allocate public safety funds, both Baltimore’s experiences and federal guidelines reflect a belief in the importance of a multifaceted approach to crime reduction. President Joe Biden has emphasized this in his public statements, advocating for both increased police funding and investments in community violence interruption programs. This endorsement suggests a growing recognition of the value in integrating community engagement and support initiatives with traditional law enforcement efforts to create safer environments.
Comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy
Community Engagement and Support Programs
The specifics of Baltimore’s allocation and use of ARPA funds reflect its unique approach to public safety, balancing intervention and prevention with traditional policing needs. The city’s comprehensive violence prevention strategy includes substantial spending on salaries for those working in community engagement, data analysis, and victim services, and various supportive programs for individuals at risk of violence. Notably, initiatives like the Peace Mobile, intended to help communities heal from trauma, and a grant for the Pride Center of Maryland, demonstrate the city’s broad, inclusive approach to violence prevention.
These programs aim to foster trust and collaboration between community members and representatives, creating an environment conducive to addressing and mitigating the root causes of violence. By providing resources and support directly to those most affected, Baltimore’s strategy aims to cultivate long-term, sustainable reductions in crime rates, shifting the focus from reaction to prevention.
Public Officials’ Perspectives
In 2021, Baltimore was awarded $641 million via the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a federal funding initiative aimed at alleviating the economic and public health issues brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Baltimore decided to allocate 10.3% of this funding, approximately $61 million, to public safety efforts. What sets Baltimore apart from many other U.S. cities is its unique allocation strategy for these funds. Instead of funneling the majority of its public safety budget into traditional policing, Baltimore chose to invest a significant portion in violence prevention and reduction programs.
This strategic decision stems from an understanding that long-term safety and stability require more than just an increased police presence. Baltimore’s approach recognizes the importance of addressing the root causes of violence through community-based initiatives and support systems. By focusing on preventive measures, the city aims to foster a safer environment and reduce crime from its origins rather than solely relying on reactive law enforcement.
Additionally, this allocation strategy aligns with growing calls for police reform across the nation, emphasizing the need for a more holistic approach to public safety, which includes mental health support, social services, and community engagement. In doing so, Baltimore is setting itself up as a model for other cities to consider a more diversified and preventive approach when it comes to creating safer communities.
