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Following years of escalating violence, Baltimore’s lead prosecutor acknowledges a positive shift, attributing it to the concerted efforts to remove persistent violent offenders from the community.
“We needed to send a clear message to the criminal entities that a new era with accountability has begun, and that imprisonment is a consequence,” remarked Ivan Bates, Baltimore City State’s Attorney, during an interview with Fox News Digital.
Bates said his crime-fighting platform was built around one promise: go after the people doing the most damage.
“Two years ago, as I entered office, my campaign focused on targeting recurrent violent criminals… these are the people we recognized as instigators of fear within our neighborhoods,” he stated.
In an effort to secure crime scenes, a Baltimore police officer applies tape at a junction in West Baltimore, Maryland.
In contrast to the past — when violent felons could expect probation or dismissal — Bates says his office now takes those cases seriously.
“Prosecutors have to put people in jail who are bad people with guns. We have to understand that. It’s just that simple.”
Bates stressed that reducing crime also requires rehabilitation and economic stability.
Meanwhile, Baltimore law enforcement remains vigilant, with an officer on duty at a crime site on Mother’s Day in downtown Baltimore, Maryland.
