Show-Me State Times

Greater St. Louis, Inc. has introduced a new Downtown Public Safety Ambassadors program to enhance public safety in the area. These trained, unarmed, uniformed security officials will provide an additional layer of visible security, complementing existing patrols by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD). The program aims to improve the overall experience for residents, workers, and visitors.

Bob O’Loughlin, Chairman and CEO of Lodging Hospitality Management and a Greater St. Louis, Inc. investor, stated: “For people who live or work Downtown, are visiting Union Station, or coming to see one of our sports teams or a concert, this increased public safety presence will make everybody feel more comfortable and safer.” He added that the program is "long overdue" and shows the business community's commitment to revitalizing Downtown St. Louis.

The initiative is funded by GSL investors who have committed over $5 million for the next three years. Kurt Weigle, GSL’s Chief Downtown Officer, expressed gratitude towards these investors: “We want to thank our investors who have stepped up to fund this important program as part of our ongoing efforts to make Downtown safe, vibrant, and beautiful.”

Mayor Tishaura O. Jones highlighted the collaborative effort between public and private sectors: “The Downtown Public Safety Ambassador Program is another example of how public-private partnerships are making Downtown St. Louis more safe, vibrant, and beautiful.”

Recent developments in Downtown include various property acquisitions and construction projects aimed at further revitalization. Matt Ratz from UKRAFT Brunch Café commented on the positive momentum: “There’s so much positive activity Downtown and this additional public safety program will really help take things to the next level.”

The Ambassadors will support SLMPD by addressing minor ordinance violations, conducting business checks, providing hospitality assistance and safe walks for pedestrians among other services. SLMPD Chief Robert Tracy noted: “The addition of public safety Ambassadors Downtown...will help in building on a positive experience for those who live, work and play downtown.”

St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore also voiced support for the initiative: “Our office fully supports the mission of Greater St. Louis Inc., reinforcing our shared goals of making downtown safer for everyone."

Ambassadors will be deployed daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., patrolling on foot, bicycle or in marked vehicles across most areas except Gateway Arch National Park grounds and certain private properties with their own security teams.

GSL contracted Block By Block to manage recruitment and training for the Ambassadors along with providing necessary equipment.

For assistance from the Downtown Public Safety Ambassadors call 314-978-2233.