Show-Me State Times

A coalition of government leaders from across the St. Louis metro region has taken steps to tackle the issue of violent crime, with a particular focus on reducing homicides. The effort aims to decrease homicides in the area by 20% over the next three years.

Jason Hall, CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc., emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Reducing violent crime in the metro is a top priority and is critical to our efforts to get the region growing again.” Hall credited the business community for spearheading the effort and expressed satisfaction in seeing leaders from across the bi-state metro coming together to work collaboratively on a comprehensive solution.

The push for regional collaboration to address the homicide crisis was bolstered by a report titled “The Need for a Regional Strategy to Reduce Homicides,” developed in partnership with the late Dr. Richard Rosenfeld of the University of Missouri-St. Louis. The report highlighted key findings, including the solvability of the crisis and the importance of following expert guidance.

In response to the report, regional leaders, in conjunction with the East-West Gateway Council of Governments, have progressed towards implementing a plan to reduce violent crime. This culminated in a vote to approve the plan on March 27, 2024.

The violence reduction plan, named Save Lives Now, will focus on employing the strategy of focused deterrence. This approach offers individuals involved in violent crime the option of solutions like job training, education, mental health care, and drug treatment, while also implementing targeted enforcement actions for those who persist in criminal activities.

With a united front and a commitment to collaborative efforts, metro leaders are determined to address the issue of violent crime and work towards creating a safer and more prosperous region.