The Baltimore Police Department has launched a new unit dedicated to the city’s most active entertainment areas in Downtown Baltimore, the Inner Harbor, Federal Hill, Harbor Point, and Fells Point.
The Entertainment District Unit plans to expand to Canton Square, Horseshoe Casino, Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium.
“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,” Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said in a statement. “Through proactive policing and collaboration, we’re working to reduce crime, address quality-of-life concerns, while building stronger connections with our community and partners.”
BPD officials say the unit will work to reduce crime, address nuisance issues, and strengthen community partnerships.
Operating during evening and day shifts, the unit will provide proactive parking and traffic enforcement; address dirt bike activity; seize illegal firearms; conduct business checks; issue citations such as open container violations; and engage community members to address nuisance issues. The unit is intended to supplement patrol operations.
Since launching Aug. 10, the unit’s officers have completed more than 1,110 business checks and 1,160 foot patrols. They have issued 72 traffic and parking citations, issued six open container citations, seized three handguns, and made seven arrests, according to BPD officials.
