Problem - At the turn of the millenium, Baltimore was the murder capital of America’s 25 largest cities. In the preceding 12 years, it had become the heroin capital of America, number one in drug-related deaths and ER admissions. 12.5% of the city’s adults were addicted to drugs. The city’s culture had become one of deep pessimism.
Solution - Mayor Martin O’Malley committed his administration to effectively and constitutionally fighting crime, while doing all in its power to get drug treatment for everyone who wanted it. A police plan, drafted by us, eventually included the Baltimore Believe campaign, orchestrated and executed by us.
Result - The campaign succeeded in rallying the city, helping to reduce crime at the fastest rate among the big cities of the nation, recruiting police officers and after-school tutors and mentors for children.