St. Louis records significant 20% drop in homicides

Published in the St. Louis American | Alvin A. Reid | Nov 15, 2023

“As St. Louis entered the fourth quarter of 2023, its homicide rate was down 20%. If the trend continues through December, it would be the largest homicide reduction in the city in 90 years.

According to St. Louis Metropolitan Police statistics, there had been 139 homicides as of Nov. 6 compared to 173 at the same time last year.

As both Mayor Tishaura Jones and Chief Robert Tracy have stated, “one is too many.”

During a Tuesday press conference celebrating St. Louis’ perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equity Index, Mayor Jones said “a whole lot of things,” have helped reduce the homicide rate.

“We opened our Office of Violence Prevention over [18 months] ago and they work with, and in, communities with violence interrupters, social workers, and other behavioral health providers,” Jones said.

Jones said, “people have been diverted from emergency rooms and jail, and our 911 Diversion Program connects them with mental health providers.”

She also lauded the ongoing effort of Chief Tracy and the police department.

“Our new chief has been on the job 11 months, so I guess I can’t call him new any longer,” Jones said lightheartedly.

“Chief Tracy has implemented his proven crime reduction strategies from Wilmington, Delaware, Chicago, and New York. All these things working together are why we have seen a reduction in homicide and crime overall.”

Read the full story at The St. Louis American: