City of Cape Girardeau forming Gun Violence Task Force

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The City of Cape Girardeau is forming a Gun Violence Task Force.

The purpose of the task force is to publicly review current programs and policies and to determine what more could be done by the city to deter gun violence.

“Our city has seen various issues develop in recent years that impact the level of safety we expect to see here, in our neighborhoods and our business communities,” said Cape Girardeau Mayor Stacy Kinder. “Our community is pleading for these issues to be addressed, and the City needs to partner with the community to make a difference.”

The formation of the task force comes after several very public incidents, including a shooting at a graduation and the shooting death of a 17 year old earlier in 2024.

“Well-supported law enforcement is an essential component of public safety,” said Mayor Kinder, “but they alone can’t produce the changes that are needed in our community. Those are the things this task force will begin to look into, and specifically how the City might impact or advocate for some of those changes.”

Through the end of 2024, a committee representing neighborhoods and agencies from the private, nonprofit and government sectors will meet to review current and potential programs and policies.

The committee will partially determine what topics to cover, the committies is expected to include a review of local data, chronic nuisance property policies and other current laws, nonprofit programs, support for at-risk youth, and successful case studies and initiatives from other communities.

“This task force will be a strong start for City Hall to dive into the city’s role in issues that surround gun violence here,” said Kinder.

The collaborative effort is the first of its kind for Cape Girardeau’s city government.

“In partnership with the community, our combined efforts can result in a safer Cape Girardeau,” said Kinder.

Officials have participated in events such as Wear Orange Awareness and the annual SNAP Prayer Walk.

Additional announcements are expected soon from a local nonprofit launching a comprehensive effort to reduce gun violence through community engagement and a variety of grassroot strategies

The public can attend the Gun Violence Task Force meetings or watch them online. They can provide feedback throughout the process through the website, their council members and city staff.

The first meeting is expected in July.

“Our neighborhoods, families, and businesses demand this focus, and I’m thankful for the community members who are pledging their time and energy in this important effort.”