Baltimore Residents Seek Solutions to Crime Crisis
BALTIMORE – As politicians debate the best ways to handle crime in Baltimore, Maryland, many local people are calling for common-sense solutions that focus on strengthening the community and upholding the law.
Earlier this month, Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott sent state police to work with the city’s police force. This came after talk of possibly bringing in the National Guard to help fight crime.
Tasha, a young mother in the Penn-North neighborhood, said that many kids need more positive activities. She believes that more recreational centers would give young people something to do, keeping them away from drugs and crime.
Many Baltimore residents are concerned about the high crime rates. Recent events include a mass drug overdose in Penn-North and several homicides in the nearby Park Heights area.
Joseph, another resident, pointed out the many abandoned houses and buildings in the area. He believes that fixing up these properties could help improve the neighborhood, but others say fixing the people comes first.
Trayvon, a Baltimore local, said, “How can you fix a place and not fix the people? If you fix that, all you’re going to do is make a prettier place to sell drugs.”
Scott Graham, a Republican who ran for Maryland’s House of Delegates, said that high property taxes make it hard for people to move into the city. He said that many vacant homes are in high-crime areas.
While some politicians say that crime is going down, data shows that Baltimore’s murder rate is still very high compared to other cities.
Many residents are split on whether bringing in the National Guard is the answer. Some worry it could cause more problems, while others think it could help stop crime.
Ronette, a Baltimore resident, said that the city needs to go back to a time when everyone worked together to keep the community safe. She believes that a focus on personal responsibility and community involvement is key.
Former President Trump recently created a task force to fight crime in Memphis, Tennessee, using similar methods to those in Washington, D.C. This includes using the National Guard, the FBI, and other law enforcement agencies.
Trump has also considered sending troops to other cities like Chicago and Oakland, but these plans have faced opposition from Democrats.
