Welcome to the Mayor's Office on Criminal Justice (MOCJ)

Vision

To build a safer Baltimore, where residents have an increased perception of public safety and confidence in the criminal justice system. To ensure all partners in the criminal justice system are working in harmony to improve outcomes. To decrease levels of violence through smarter and more effective law enforcement strategies and holistic strategies that treat violence as a public health issue.

Mission

The Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice advises the Mayor on all crime reduction and criminal justice matters. MOCJ strives to reduce crime in Baltimore and enhance perception of public safety by developing and implementing crime reduction strategies and programs. MOCJ engages the community as it seeks to understand and correct problems. MOCJ marshals resources to catalyze progress in improving public safety.

Core Functions

Crime Reduction Strategy. MOCJ works with the Mayor, Baltimore Police Department, and other agencies to prepare an effective strategy for reducing crime, improving resident perception of public safety, and strengthening justice system operations. MOCJ works alongside the Baltimore Police Department and other criminal justice partners on implementation of criminal justice strategies.

Police Department Operational Oversight. MOCJ keeps the Mayor informed regarding the operations, tactics, and strategies of BPD. MOCJ tracks performance data and monitors ongoing programs and initiatives at BPD to ensure progress is being made on violence reduction efforts.

Coordination of Criminal Justice Partners. MOCJ drives collaboration among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies operating in Baltimore City. MOCJ regularly convenes partners and identifies opportunities for enhanced collaboration to increase public safety in Baltimore. MOCJ works alongside law enforcement partners to review data, problems, and solutions to identified problems.

Data Collection and Trend Analysis. MOCJ collects and analyzes data regarding crime, law enforcement operations, and the criminal justice system. MOCJ uses data to help inform the violence reduction strategy and the design of crime-fighting programs. This includes working with the police department to identify hot-spot neighborhoods, violent repeat offenders, and patterns in dangerous community conditions. MOCJ builds data-sharing relationships with local, state, and federal agencies.

Crime Reduction Programs and Initiatives. MOCJ works collaboratively with other members of the criminal justice system to identify proven, successful programs that are effective in addressing violence reduction and violence prevention. MOCJ works to design innovative and evidence-based solutions for reducing crime and violence. MOCJ supports delivery of programs and initiatives, setting the schedule for implementation and creating measures for program progress and oversight.

Coordinating Grants and Fundraising. MOCJ pursues grant funding and direct investments from federal, state, and philanthropic funders to support the City’s violence reduction goals. MOCJ builds relationships with funders to expand the potential network of funding available for public safety. MOCJ manages active grants on behalf both MOCJ and BPD, monitoring the efficacy of grant-funded programs and developing sustainability strategies that are deemed effective.

Community Engagement. MOCJ staff works directly with members of the community to understand their experiences and needs as it relates to public safety. MOCJ staff strengthen relationships with community stakeholders and design effective public safety initiatives that are responsive to community priorities.

Policy and Research. MOCJ researches and identifies best practices and evidence-based solutions policies and solutions for reducing crime and violence. MOCJ’s policy and research function assists in transforming research into measurable, implementable programs, initiatives, and strategies.