Violence and crime are down in the city of St. Louis, it’s a fact.
St. Louis experienced a 21% crime reduction rate in 2023, including homicides, compared to the previous year. It marked the lowest crime rate in a decade and a historic decline in homicides over the last 90 years.
Several factors have been noted by Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and civic leaders. They include the work of Chief Robert Tracy and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Force, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis public safety division and neighborhood interaction under the direction of James Clark.
The establishment of the Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) within the City of St. Louis’ Department of Public Safety cannot be overlooked.
The OVP released its inaugural 2023 review last week, which detailed its effort in community safety and violence reduction efforts.
Jones’ executive order created the OVP in July 2022 as part of the administration’s commitment “to creating safe, violence-free neighborhoods through community-centered approaches.”
“I have made it the explicit goal of my administration to transform public safety. I am committed to breaking the cycle of crime through prevention, intervention, and enforcement,” Jones said in a release.
“OVP’s community-centered approach to violence prevention is essential in our crime reduction efforts – crime is prevented years before it happens.”
Wil Pinkney, OVP director, said its programs address root causes of violence, while providing support “to those who need it most.
“By working together with local stakeholders, we are creating a sustainable and inclusive framework that enhances public safety and fosters community resilience.”
Jones called the reduction in crime “a testament to the dedication of staff, the cooperation of community members, and the effectiveness of our crime prevention strategies.”
That testament includes reductions including 21% in homicides, 11% in robbery, 6% in aggravated assaults, 24% in shooting incidents and 23% in shooting victims.
Crimes and violence involving young St. Louisans has also seen significant reductions.
Included are drops of 47% in youth shooting incidents and 50% in youth shooting victims.
In addition, felony theft (39%), auto theft (19%) and burglary (12%) were also down, according to the OVP report.
“These numbers are a result of a coordinated effort of many different agencies within our city to address the root causes of crime while holding those who do commit crime accountable,” stated Jones.
“OVP’s community-centered approach to violence prevention is essential in our crime reduction efforts – crime is prevented years before it happens.”
Based on data, the OVP concentrated its effort on the Dutchtown, Wells/Goodfellow, Hamilton Heights, Walnut Park, Columbus Square, Carr Square, Peabody Lasalle, O’Fallon, Penrose, Fountain Park, College Hill and Baden neighborhoods.
The programs support people at the highest risk of being victims or perpetrators of violence, emphasizing relationship-building with [residents] at the core of gun violence.
According to Pinkney, “the goal is to create a CVI ecosystem that brings together local stakeholders to build a comprehensive violence reduction infrastructure that promotes equity and complements the work of law enforcement.”
The OVP staff now stands at 12 employees, and its offices moved to the Urban League Peter Bunce Campus in the College Hill community.
Staff members attended professional development training sessions and represented OVP at over 15 conferences nationwide including events hosted by the National Offices of Violence Prevention Network and the National League of Cities.
On June 15, the OVP will partner with the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and Be SMART in hosting the OVP Kickback in Barrett Brothers Park, 5817 St. Louis Avenue.
Held monthly in priority neighborhoods, the free events feature food, music, and entertainment. Gun safety resources and information about secure gun storage are also available.
