U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt announced that St. Louis will receive a federal public safety investment through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Model Cities Initiative, bringing additional resources to local law enforcement and crime prevention efforts.
Schmitt said he worked with state and federal officials, including Attorney General Todd Blanche, throughout the application process to secure the funding.
The investment will support police recruitment, officer compensation and wellness programs, and improvements to police academy facilities. Planned upgrades include enhancements to the Real-Time Crime Center, radio communications and emergency response drones. Funding will also go toward replacing police vehicles, purchasing ballistic shields and establishing a citizen reporting portal.
The initiative will also expand community services, including a law enforcement-led homeless outreach program, additional social workers and victim advocates, and partnerships focused on crisis intervention, treatment and housing assistance.
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Chief Robert J. Tracy said the investment will help the department recruit officers, strengthen crime-fighting capabilities and expand services for people in crisis.
The announcement builds on previous federal law enforcement investments in the St. Louis region, including an increase in permanent FBI personnel and operations such as Operation Show Me Justice and Operation Viper, which Schmitt’s office says have resulted in more than 400 arrests of violent criminals.
The Model Cities Initiative is intended to help participating cities reduce violent crime, strengthen law enforcement and address underlying factors contributing to crime.
Jake Kroesen serves as the Editor of the Missouri Times. He hails from Independence, Missouri and enjoys all things Jackson County. A graduate of UCM, he obtained his degree in Political Science.
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