Mayor Lyda Krewson and Public Safety Director Jimmie Edwards Call for Increased Community Engagement to Help Combat Gun Violence

Violent crime in St. Louis is at crisis levels. Everyone must play a part in helping to reduce gun violence in the City. “Our city is at its best when we work together to tackle our toughest challenges,”

Mayor Lyda Krewson said. “The Police Department is focused on arresting the most violent offenders, but we can’t arrest our way to our safer city. We can’t solve crimes without the public’s help.”

“I urge anyone who has any information about a crime to come forward,” Krewson added. Citizens can also call CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-8477 to share any information about a crime that has been or will be committed.

All tips will remain anonymous and the names of callers will not be shared. If you know where a gun is and worry about it being used, turn it in at any police station or call (314) 231-1212 and the police will pick it up. No questions asked.

Gun Buyback Private entities will host a gun buyback event held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, December 23 at the Omega Center, 3900 Goodfellow Boulevard.

Cash payments will be given for all operative guns.

Cash rewards include:

• $200 for assault rifles (AR - style and AK - style) AND guns with a magazines capacity of more than 10 rounds
• $150 for shotguns or rifles
• $100 for handguns Guns from across the St. Louis region will be accepted. All guns must be unloaded before they are turned in.

 

The gun buyback is completely anonymous; no questions will be asked. Jobs City leaders recognize that a driving factor of violent crime is a lack of access to well-paying jobs. The St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) is ready to connect anyone interested with either a job or the skills they need to find gainful employment or both.

Call (314) 589-8000 for more information. Employers are hiring every Wednesday from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. at SLATE during Workforce Wednesdays. SLATE’s services are free and open to the public. SLATE is located on the third floor of 1520 Market Street in downtown St. Louis.

Documents

• Gun Buyback Flyer (2017)