We are going to get into the specific impact of homicide on a community. Take a look at the Baltimore Sun investigative reporting product entitled, "Shoot to Kill" at the below link and think about the impact that this crime has on the increasing number of victims and the Baltimore community.

Baltimore has experienced, and continues to suffer from, an extreme increase in the murder rate. The various elements of the criminal justice system (police, courts, corrections and judiciary) seem incapable of addressing the problem. For this discussion question, use the Baltimore Sun "Shoot to Kill" report to answer the following questions:

1. What is the trend in homicide rates in Baltimore, Maryland? Is the trend increasing or decreasing? What is driving the rate of this change (provide specific examples - not just that the numbers are increasing).

2. There are several vignettes in this report during which specific changes in the communities where the homicides are occurring, manner in which the murders are carried out, and changes in the injuries to the victims that cause decreases in their survival rates are discussed. Select one of those items and explain the change from previous years and how that change has contributed to increases in homicides in the city.

3. How could victim advocates or a component of the criminal justice system impact the topic you discussed in question?