John,
Throughout the country, we have seen media reports in various jurisdictions claiming that youth crime is out of control or higher than ever. Much of this false narrative is driven by the media who often ignore or misunderstand the data as well as officials who support punitive measures. In a new report by The Sentencing Project, we analyzed the data in one of these jurisdictions – Baltimore, Maryland – and found a much different story than the sensational narratives.
Based on data provided by the Baltimore Police Department, youth arrests have not only decreased significantly, but the proportion of youth involved in total arrests has also diminished, indicating that young people are not responsible for a disproportionate share of crime. |
Key findings from the report include: - In 2024, youth arrests in Baltimore have averaged 65 per month, a marked decrease from over 130 in 2019.
- Youth aged 10 to 17, who make up 8% of Baltimore’s population, accounted for only 5% of arrests in 2024—the lowest percentage since at least 2016.
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Overall violent crime in Baltimore has decreased, with fewer incidents reported in 2023 compared to prior years and continued year-to-date declines in 2024.
While any instance of youth crime is concerning, we cannot ignore the data. It’s imperative that we base our understanding of youth offending on accurate information rather than fear-based narratives. |
