The Baltimore Police Department has launched a new entertainment district unit aimed at enhancing safety and quality of life in the city’s busy nightlife areas.
The unit, which began operations Aug. 10, focuses on providing a high-visibility presence and implementing community policing strategies to reduce crime and address nuisance issues.
“The entertainment district unit is about more than just enforcement; it’s about creating safe, welcoming spaces where people can enjoy all the great things that Baltimore has to offer,” Police Commissioner Richard Worley said. “Through proactive policing and collaboration, we’re working to reduce crime, address quality-of-life concerns and build stronger connections with our community and partners.”
The unit’s responsibilities include proactive parking and traffic enforcement, addressing dirt bike activity, seizing illegal firearms, conducting business checks and issuing citations for open container violations and other quality-of-life concerns.
Officers will also aim to engage with community members to identify and resolve chronic nuisance issues, officials said.
Since its launch, the unit has completed more than 1,110 business checks and 1,160 foot patrols, issued 72 traffic and parking citations, issued six open container citations, seized three handguns and made seven arrests, according to police.
The unit currently covers core entertainment areas in downtown Baltimore, including the Inner Harbor, Federal Hill, Harbor Point and Fells Point.
Plans are in place to expand coverage to Canton Square and the casino and Baltimore stadiums, including Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium.
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