1-04-2024 6:11pm

COUNTY TOUTS

Jeff Barto Editor

TOWSON, MD — Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough today announced that Baltimore County continued to experience sharp declines in homicides and nonfatal shootings in 2023.

As of December 31, 2023, the county recorded 29 homicides — down nearly 15 percent year over year and down 47 percent compared to 2021.

The County’s 2023 homicide rate per capita is 3.42 per 100,000 residents. By comparison, the State of Maryland’s 2022 per capita homicide rate stood at over 8.5 per 100,000 residents and the 2022 national homicide rate was 6.3 offenses per 100,000 people according to FBI data

Baltimore County also experienced a more than 14 percent decrease in non-fatal shootings in 2023 compared to 2022.

In addition, Baltimore County Police Department has cleared 69 percent of homicide cases to date — far exceeding national clearance rates, which averaged approximately 50 percent as of 2020

“These achievements speak to the integrity of the exceptional work being done by the members of the Baltimore County Police Department,” said Police Chief Robert McCullough. “Our detectives’ steadfast commitment to upholding justice, coupled with our residents' trust and support, has led to the successful apprehension and prosecution of those responsible for committing these crimes. The pride and professionalism taken to solve these investigations reflect our members’ commitment to serve and protect all Baltimore County communities.”

“We continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our residents, and I thank Chief Robert McCullough and the brave men and women of the Baltimore County Police Department for their tireless efforts — and incredible progress — in combating crime and keeping us safe,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “Moving forward, we will continue to innovate our crime fighting strategies, focus on emerging trends, and do whatever is necessary to ensure Baltimore County remains a safe place to live, work and raise a family.”

“Strong police work leads to solid convictions and our office remains focused on addressing the cases the Baltimore County Police Department presents to my office every day so we can keep violent criminals off our streets,” said Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger. “While even one murder is too many, my office will continue to prosecute and seek appropriate punishment of all those charged and help ensure our neighborhoods remain safe and secure for years to come.”