Gangs and Gun Culture in St. Louis

Urban Challenges 10% of AA unemployed in February % of residents lived in poverty as of % per thousand teen pregnancy rate Guns per capita

Gun Violence: Our Biggest Challenge 138 lives lost to gun violence in armed robberies in four days 8 homicides in 24 hours In 2014, over 470 guns were stolen in the city 2015, some of loosest gun laws in country Easy access to guns by youth

Homicide Rate Over Time *2015 projected number based on current YTD rate

2016 (YTD) Crime Report Homicides Robbery Assault Assault with a gun

Problem prior to 2015 Disbanding of gang units Defunding of resources Perspective that gangs aren’t a problem Single parent/grandparent home without access to social services…don’t know what to do with child who has gun/carrying gun No intelligence within the CAO

147 Gangs 3,838 documented gang members in City 2,530 documented gang members in County 1,235 incarcerated 868 on probation or parole Formed by geography Expanding territories Rolling gun battles Impacting commerce

Hybrid-style gangs or “teams” Juvenile gangs Knock-out game Social media Street fighting and videos Rolling gun battles/status

“Everyone” is carrying a gun Glory, glamour, status symbol Rationalize as “protection” The Gun Culture

CAO response Office Reorganization Office Reorganization Working with Chief of Police and Federal Partners Working with Chief of Police and Federal Partners 3 “R” - Remove, Redirect, Resolve 3 “R” - Remove, Redirect, Resolve

Remove

Redire ct

Resolve

Resolve & Community Input – what can parents do?

ATTENTION A GUN HAS BEEN FOUND IN YOUR HOME This gun may have been in the illegal possession of one of your children. Possession of a firearm can cause grave injury or death to you, your family or others. If you would like to seek help from the Family Court for your child, both of you may appear before a Judge and Deputy Juvenile Officer at the Family Court Building located at 920 N. Vandeventer, St. Louis, Mo on ________________ at _____ a.m./p.m. Your appearance is voluntary. The Court can provide information about guns and answer questions that you might have in order to guide your child away from this pattern of destructive behavior. PLEASE BRING THIS PAPER WITH YOU AND PRESENT IT TO THE SECURITY OFFICER IN THE LOBBY OF THE FAMILY COURT BUILDING.

R Rachel A. Smith Chief Prosecutor – Community Partnership Bureau

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