City of St. Louis, MO

05/22/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/22/2024 10:58

City of St. Louis Office of Violence Prevention Releases Inaugural 2023 Review

City of St. Louis Office of Violence Prevention Releases Inaugural 2023 Review

OVP's review highlights significant strides made in community safety and violence reduction efforts.

May 22, 2024 | 2 min reading time

The Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) within the City of St. Louis' Department of Public Safety has released its inaugural 2023 review, highlighting significant strides made in community safety and violence reduction efforts. Established in July 2022 under the visionary leadership of Mayor Tishaura Jones, OVP has committed to creating safe, violence-free neighborhoods through community-centered approaches.

"As the Mayor of St. Louis, I have made it the explicit goal of my administration to transform public safety. I am committed to breaking cycles of crime through prevention, intervention, and enforcement. OVP's community-centered approach to violence prevention is essential in our crime reduction efforts - crime is prevented years before it happens," said Mayor Jones.

"Through Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs, we are dedicated to addressing the root causes of violence and providing support to those who need it most," said Wil Pinkney, Director of the Office of Violence Prevention. "By working together with local stakeholders, we are creating a sustainable and inclusive framework that enhances public safety and fosters community resilience."

Building on a foundation of strategic planning and collaborative efforts, the City of St. Louis saw a 21% reduction rate in crime compared to the previous year. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of staff, the cooperation of community members, and the effectiveness of our crime prevention strategies.

The Year in Review publication is available for download on our website: The Office of Violence Prevention 2023 Year in Review. We encourage community members, stakeholders, and partners to read the report and join us in celebrating the achievements of the past year while looking forward to the future.