Cape Girardeau officials and police strengthen safety protocols one year after deadly shooting

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) – A deadly shooting in front of CVS Pharmacy in Cape Girardeau. The murder of a local teenager, one year ago. The incident one year ago sent shockwaves through the community and prompted the beginning of the Gun Violence Task Force and other steps to protect Cape Girardeau and the city’s families.

“The past few years this has been the number one topic of concern with out businesses and with our families,” said Mayor Stacy Kinder.

“The task force met for about six months and did some really deep dives into different aspects from law enforcement to the judicial system the juvenile division,” Kinder said.

The team presented a report to the city council in January after taking a deep dive into gun violence data in order to offer insight, ideas and recommendations into ways the city and police can make Cape Girardeau safer.

“The ideas were impressive,” said Kinder. “That includes the concept of a real-time crime center enabling the police department to have a dedicated staff person or more constantly assessing the information coming in.”

As for Cape Police, they teamed up with the city to step up safety protocols after an incident involving a gun at the SportsPlex including more cameras, locks and metal detectors.

“We are working really closely with the parks program to make sure safety measures are in place so we’ve got a plan of how to react and then we will also have uniformed officers to walk through facilities to provide extra security,” said Officer Bobby Newton.

Newton says they are also seeing success with their new tip app so that the public can offer anonymous information.

He says the app along with the shot spotter technology and neighborhood watch initiatives are making an impact.

“It’s really important that we are out in the community,” said Newton.