ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WBFF) - When Mayor Brandon Scott took the helm at City Hall in late 2020, Baltimore was wrapping up its sixth straight year with more than 300 homicides.
 

The spike to the 300 mark occurred in 2015, after Freddie Gray died from injuries sustained while in police custody.
 

This, sparking protests and riots.
 

The city charged the officers and the Mayor fired then police commissioner Anthony Batts.
 

Two years later the Baltimore Police Department was placed on the current federal consent decree.
 

The Department of Justice ordered BPD to clean up what it called unconstitutional policing.
 

Tensions and a sense of distrust linger within the community and within BPD.
 

Former Police Commissioner Ed Norris has said officers became more "hands-off."
 

Fast forward to now, as police reform remains in the spotlight.
 

Mayor Scott has built his platform on reimaging public safety, including a comprehensive, community-based approach to policing.
 

Scott recently announced plans to reduce BPD's budget over a five-year period.
 

"We can reallocate funding and make efficiencies within our police department," said Scott during an April interview.
 

Governor Larry Hogan was critical of the announcement.
 

"I have a strong difference of opinion when we have violent crime out of control," said Hogan, when questioned about the announcement.
 

Hogan was also outspoken against the Baltimore City State's Attorney's decision to not prosecute certain lower-level crimes.
 

"Small signs of disorder lead to larger disorder," said Stephen Walters, chief economist with the Maryland Public Policy Institute.
 

Walter recently published an article on the topic and told FOX45 News examining this history is key in solving the crime.
 

"We need more resources devoted to policing but we also need a public will that says yes, we can put the lid on crime by addressing the shooters and the most violent felons," said Walters. "We must provide order so all citizens feel safe when they leave their homes."