BJA FY 2023 Project Safe Neighborhoods Formula Grant Program

PROPOSAL ABSRACT

The City of St. Louis (St. Louis) in the Eastern District of Missouri confronts a chronically high level of violence, specifically firearm violence. The FBI reports that St. Louis has consistently been ranked as one of the most violent cities in the U.S since 2015. St. Louis' population was estimated to be 308,875 in 2019. The population dropped slightly below 300,000 in 2022.

In a 3 year period from 2017-2019 total crime in the PSN selected neighborhoods rose slightly (.66%) with reductions in homicides (15.85%), aggravated assaults (8.07%) and aggravated assaults with firearms (10.06%). For the same period, only 41.9% of 585 homicides were cleared by St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD). Substantial reductions are necessary for St. Louis to have safe neighborhoods. St. Louis had 264 homicides in 2020, a 36.1 % increase compared to 2019. In 2021 and 2022, homicides remained at 200 annually, a 23.9% decrease from 2020, but still a number which is too high. 

Funding is requested for the grant period of October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2026 to impact violent crime in St. Louis. Consistently rated as among the most violent cities over 100,000 population, St. Louis has the highest homicide rate in the U.S., based on Part I (Violent Crime) Uniform Crime Reporting Data by the FBI. In 2018, there were 60.9 homicides per 100,000 residents, more than 10 times the national homicide rate [5.0 in 2018]. 

The Violent Crime Working Group, the Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) Task Force assembled by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri has used detailed crime data analysis, including data from the Gun Crime Intelligence Center, to identify smaller geographic areas within the City of St. Louis that experience a large percentage of the violent crime throughout the city. The Working Group includes 20+ state, law enforcement and community organizations which actively work within the distressed St. Louis metropolitan areas to provide resources and assistance to citizens who are experiencing this disproportionate level of violence in their neighborhoods. The goal is to reduce the homicide rate. 

The Working Group relies upon crime data and other related quantitative and qualitative measures to identify the areas within the District that are experiencing the most significant violent crime problems. The Group then develops evidence-based strategies to reduce crime. Working Group law enforcement partners meet quarterly to focus efforts on successfully prosecuting offenders.