Police Announce Crime Drop

At a press conference in Catonsville, County Executive Jim Smith announced a drop in crime for the first half of 2010, continuing a year-to-year trend.

The county executive was joined by Gov. Martin O'Malley, county police Chief Jim Johnson and Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger.

Statistics released Wednesday showed a significant drop compared to the first half of 2009. Smith noted dramatic changes in many serious crimes, including 44.4 percent fewer homicides, a 21.6 percent reduction in vehicle thefts and a 19.7 percent drop in rape incidents.

The governor, who arrived several minutes after the press conference started at 11:30 a.m., cited the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention as supporting Baltimore County in its crime-fighting efforts.

Smith and Johnson both gave credit to county police, who have worked hard despite tough economic times. Johnson said the department has been able to do this while maintaining a balanced police department budget. 

"The goal has always been not just making people think they're safe but actually making them safe," Johnson said.