Baltimore City Council Advances New Neighborhood Safety Department

The Baltimore City Council voted 12-1 on October 27 to advance legislation establishing a Department of Neighborhood Safety. The proposed agency would serve as a permanent third branch of public safety alongside police and fire departments, absorbing the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement. The department aims to dispatch mental health professionals and social workers to nonviolent 911 calls instead of police officers.

Council President Zeke Cohen, the bill's lead sponsor, stated that an initial $15 million would come from an opioid restitution fund. To cover further costs, Cohen proposed reducing the Baltimore Police Department's overtime budget, arguing that shifting non-police calls would lower long-term spending. However, total first-year costs are estimated at roughly $50 million.

Councilman Mark Conway cast the lone opposing vote, citing a lack of detailed funding reports and concerns that costs would mount annually. Taxpayer advocate David Williams also criticized the funding strategy, arguing that police staffing shortages make overtime necessary and that projected savings may never materialize. A final vote on the legislation is scheduled for November 9.