BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, August 4, 2026) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott joined state leaders, City officials, and law enforcement partners at National Night Out events across Baltimore City.
National Night Out is held annually on the first Tuesday of August across the country. It began in 1984 as a nationwide campaign to connect residents with law enforcement to foster positive relations between officers and the communities they serve, strengthen community ties, and improve public safety. In Baltimore, community associations and other organizations host events to meet officers and City leaders, improve relationships, and discuss safety concerns.
"The historic reductions in shootings and homicides we have seen over the past few years have only been possible because we have brought everyone to the table, including our residents, around a shared vision for a safer, stronger Baltimore," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "National Night Out is an opportunity to build on the relationships that are helping to reduce violence in our neighborhoods. It's a chance for us to recommit ourselves to that shared vision, because any one life lost to violence in Baltimore is one too many."
Baltimore has seen significant progress reducing gun violence over the past five years through the City's first-ever Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan (CVPP). Improved coordination and collaboration between the Baltimore Police Department (BPD), federal and regional law enforcement partners, the State's Attorney's Office, the Attorney General's Office, the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE), hospitals, community-based violence prevention and intervention organizations, and residents have helped strengthen public safety and reduce violence throughout the city.
"The state of Maryland is delivering historic drops in violence because we reject the false choice between supporting law enforcement and building stronger communities," said Governor Wes Moore. "National Night Out is proof of what can happen when law enforcement and the communities they serve unite to build trust, as we prioritize the safety of all Marylanders and get tough on crime and the causes of crime."
"National Night Out is an opportunity to bring together families, local leaders, and law enforcement partners working every day to help Maryland communities. The relationships fostered through these events are valuable and play an important role in making our neighborhoods safer and stronger - including reducing crime in Baltimore over the years. We will continue fighting to bring more federal public safety resources to our communities to build on our shared goals," said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen.
"For over forty years, National Night Out has brought together communities and law enforcement professionals across our nation so that they can establish connections, strengthen trust, and forge the partnerships that keep our families and our neighbors safe," said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. "We should all take pride in the historic reduction in crime that our city has seen over the last few years, while remaining clear-eyed about the problems that do still exist - so that we can recommit ourselves to doing the hard work that is needed to make Baltimore a safe place for all of its residents."
Homicides are down roughly 60% over the past five years. 2025 saw 133 homicides, representing the lowest yearly homicide total in over fifty years. As of this morning, Baltimore has seen 61 homicides so far in 2026, a 24.7% reduction compared to the same time period last year. BPD's homicide clearance rate is 63%, up from 54% compared to this time last year. Crime continues to drop across other major categories.
"Seeing so many neighbors, community organizations, and officers come together for National Night Out was truly inspiring," said Police Commissioner Richard Worley. "Events like these strengthen trust, build relationships, and remind us that public safety is a shared responsibility. Thank you to everyone who welcomed us into their communities and helped make this year's National Night Out a success. We look forward to continuing to build these connections throughout the year."
"National Night Out is a powerful reminder that public safety is a shared responsibility. The historic reductions in violent crime that Baltimore is experiencing did not happen by chance, nor were they achieved by any one agency alone. They are the result of an unwavering commitment from residents, neighborhood associations, faith leaders, community organizations, law enforcement, and government working together toward a common goal. When communities trust one another and engage with those sworn to protect them, safer neighborhoods follow," said State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates. "Every resident who reports a crime, mentors a young person, attends a community meeting, or simply looks out for a neighbor contributes to building a stronger and safer Baltimore. Every day at the State's Attorney's Office, we are demonstrating that meaningful collaboration saves lives, restores hope, and creates lasting change. While we are proud of the historic progress we have made, our work is far from over. We remain committed to ensuring that every neighborhood benefits from safer streets and greater opportunities."
"I'm proud to join Mayor Brandon Scott and our federal, state, and local partners in celebrating Baltimore's 2026 National Night Out," said Council President Zeke Cohen. "Every summer and in every community, we showcase our shared commitment to building safer, stronger neighborhoods. When residents and public safety officers come together to share a laugh, a meal, and to celebrate our community, we build upon the trust needed to make our city stronger. National Night Out is a reminder that it takes a village and that public safety is a shared responsibility."
"National Night Out stands as a reminder that public safety begins with partnership. When neighbors and first responders come together outside of emergency situations, we build trust, strengthen communication, and reinforce the relationships that help our communities to thrive," said Comptroller Bill Henry. "Events like National Night Out bring people together around our commitment to a safer, stronger Baltimore."
To further engage residents in the City's public safety efforts, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and MONSE have launched a public feedback process to help develop the City's second Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan (CVPP), which will be a new five-year roadmap to build on the historic progress of the last five years and deepen the City's commitment to a holistic, community- and trauma-centered public safety approach. This plan will guide the city's violence prevention approach from 2026-2031 (Fiscal Year '27-Fiscal Year '31). This next plan will be finalized and officially released by early Fall of 2026. Residents are encouraged to attend upcoming listening sessions and share feedback on the plan through the public survey or directly via email to monse@baltimorecity.gov. Session dates and locations will continue to be announced in the coming weeks on a rolling basis.
For more information on National Night Out, visit https://natw.org/.