City Leaders, Johns Hopkins Announce Research Project To Reduce Violence

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—City leaders and Johns Hopkins University announce a new collaboration on Monday designed to promote, develop and evaluate interventions directed at reducing the crime on the street.

Mike Schuh has more.

Flashing lights, police tape and evidence all mark yet another violent weekend in Baltimore.

Multiple deadly shootings, one claiming the life of a 15-year-old.

Police are now teaming up with Johns Hopkins to help find a way to reduce the violence now and in the future.

The plan involves a half a million dollars in grants to, among other things have Hopkins study what's working and what's not.

Here's what they're targeting and changing:

- Target illegal guns

- Assess federal help

- Beef up foot patrol

- Attract better recruits

- Coordinate district commanders

- Offer more reward money

"We believe that focusing on these six areas will make Baltimore safer, collaboration is key and on behalf of the men and women of the Baltimore Police Department, I am grateful for the work of our partners form Johns Hopkins," said Police Commissioner Kevin Davis.

This work is of such importance, that the president of Hopkins explained why they are involved.

"At Johns Hopkins our works is rooted in date and research, and I'm delighted that this collaborative will allow us to bring the best data and science available right to the Baltimore Police Department," said President Ronald Daniels. "The goal of this project is to bring knowledge into action and to make our community safer."

Part of the project is being led by Daniel Webster, a nationally known gun policy researcher at Johns Hopkins.

All of the money to fund Hopkins' participation came from private foundations.