Safe Streets, a program aimed at reducing violence through community engagement, has been both praised and criticized for its role in Baltimore’s crime reduction efforts.

Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates spoke with WBAL NewsRadio last week. When asked about Safe Streets, Bates raised questions about the effectiveness of the program.

Stefanie Mavronis, director of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, spoke on the T.J. Smith Show Wednesday morning. She said Bates should come see Safe Streets up close.

“What I have an issue with is this insinuation that workers don’t clock in or out — that there’s no checks and balances,” Mavronis said.

Regarding the four recent arrests of those in the program, Mavronis said they were held accountable.

“We’ve seen Safe Stre

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