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A specialized police unit for Baltimore’s top tourist destinations, including Federal Hill and the Inner Harbor, is set to roll out in the coming weeks. From Fox45 on July 29th:
While the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) has yet to officially announce the unit, a preliminary report suggested they’re planning a three-phased rollout:
Phase 1: Downtown & Waterfront — Fells Point, Inner Harbor, Harbor East, 400 E. Baltimore Street, Cross Street (Federal Hill), and Marketplace
Phase 2: Canton — O’Donnell Square and surrounding bars/restaurants
Phase 3: Stadium District — Oriole Park, M&T Bank Stadium, Horseshoe Casino, Pickles Pub, and nearby venues
The report went on to say shifts will operate from 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM and 6:30 PM – 3:00 AM.
“We believe this initiative is a positive step forward for Baltimore. By creating a specialized unit focused on safety and engaging with the community in our social gathering areas, we aim to foster an environment where everyone – residents, business owners, and visitors alike – can enjoy all that our city has to offer,” the report said.
From Councilman Zac Blanchard on Facebook on July 29th:
We have a public safety problem in Federal Hill’s bar district. Proactive policing is necessary. I commend BPD for committing to stand up the Entertainment District Unit, and will continue to work with law enforcement agencies, business owners, and residents to make all of our neighborhoods safer.
Councilman Blanchard also provided the following statement on August 1st:
I joined a multi-agency meeting this morning to discuss a targeted response to Federal Hill’s public safety problem.
BPD deployment to Federal Hill will be ramped up this weekend, with a targeted directive to cite low-level offenses (open containers, marijuana use in the public right-of-way) that often lead to escalations of crime. This weekend’s deployment is a model for BPD and other agencies’ on-location presence through the end of the summer. You should expect to see more police officers, more traffic enforcement officers and tow trucks, DPW crews, members of the Social Club Task Force, and representatives of the Mayor’s Office from MONSE and the MOACE.
We’re looking forward to a safer weekend in Federal Hill and to continued crime reduction.
A report by WJZ:
