What does SAVE KC stand for?

Stand Against Violence Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday

What is SAVE KC?

SAVE KC is a coalition of community agencies, juvenile authorities, city leaders and law enforcement using a strategy known as “focused deterrence” to reduce violence in a smarter way. We help group or gang members move away from being involved in or close to violence, before it’s too late.

Our goal: Each person we help remains safe, alive and out of prison.

Who oversees SAVE KC?

A board oversees the program. Board members include Prosecutor Melesa Johnson, Police Chief Stacey Graves, Mayor Quinton Lucas, and numerous community leaders and agency partners.

What is “focused deterrence”?

Focused deterrence is a strategy that requires information from local law enforcement and prosecutors’ offices to identify people who are known to be involved in violence or are at risk of being involved in violence. Then we talk to these individuals to determine what they need to move their lives in a positive, safer direction.  Focused deterrence has been proven to reduce violence in many cities. Atlanta and Baltimore, for example, have reported significant drops in gun violence, including up to 30 percent or more.

To read more about focused deterrence, see https://www.oaklandca.gov/topics/oaklands-ceasefire-strategy or https://www.ceasefiredetroit.info/ or https://nnscommunities.org/

Do you have any reason to believe this program can work in Kansas City?

We know it can work if we implement it well. Many other cities have proven it can work. And Kansas City earlier implemented a focused deterrence program that reduced gun violence in 2013 and 2014, according to a study by UMKC professors. That program failed to sustain its partnership. Last year we began to rebuild the program, with some improvements.

How is this version different?

When we began SAVE KC in 2024, community members called on the coalition to design a more restorative approach. We started with the way we did call-ins, meetings we hold to talk to people identified as being close to violence. We sought to show respect and dignity toward the people we invited to the call-ins. We invited only essential personnel to the call-ins and we didn’t tell the media to ensure attendees’ privacy.  We changed the setting of our call-in meetings to ensure that speakers and community leaders sat shoulder-to-shoulder with call-in attendees. No one spoke to attendees from a lectern or podium. We also made clear we would genuinely help the people we invited. And we would work effectively to hold accountable the people who harm our community with gun violence.

Why did SAVE KC invite me to a call-in meeting?

 We sent you a notice because we know that you have been associated with violence. We want to offer you help before it’s too late. Our goal is to help you avoid being a victim of violence or otherwise involved in violence.

How was I chosen?

Information from local law enforcement documents your association to violence.

Will I be asked questions about what KCPD found?

We won’t ask about your activities connected to violence. We simply would like to help you find out about new opportunities that could offer you a new life away from violence.

Can I bring a lawyer?

 Yes. We can also contact your attorney and explain how we would like to help you.

Can you help me without coming to my house? I’m worried about people thinking I am talking to police?

Yes. You can come to our office or some other place we agree to. We don’t have to come to your house. Call (816) 683-4035 to talk to a Community Support Specialist.

Will I be expected to give you information?                                    

SAVE KC is not asking you for information about anyone’s criminal activity. We simply want to offer help so you can move away from violence. This is not a snitch program. We want you to stay out of trouble, but we will not ask you to give us information on others.

I have a pending case in Jackson County. If I take services, will this help me with my case?

It can help if you take advantage of the services and stay away from guns and from individuals you know are associated with violence. We can’t guarantee you will receive an advantage, but if we believe you deserve credit for your improvement, we will tell the court. It will be up to a judge to decide. Also, prosecutors are active partners in SAVE KC.

Can I get my record expunged?

Certain types of crimes can be expunged under Missouri law. We can help get those convictions expunged, if they qualify.

Does SAVE KC conduct background checks?

If information about you is in public media, like FACEBOOK, ETC., we will check it. It’s public. Our main concern is that you stay away from guns and persons involved in violence. We will look for information that supports that.

I was told this program only wants to get more of us in prison. Is that the case?

Our goal is not to get more people in prison. In fact, we expect this program should result in fewer arrests if individuals we engage stay away from violence. In turn, it should result in fewer people going to prison. But persons who remain involved in violence will be the focus of enforcement. The community expects and demands such accountability.  

If I don’t take services, will I become a target for enforcement?

No, you do not become a focus of enforcement simply because you decide not to take services. If you stay home, go to work each day – and you’re not associated with gun crimes or individuals associated with violence – you can live your life without any concern about enforcement

What sort of services can I get?

We would assess what you need to make yourself successful. That could range from basic stuff, like getting a car license, to more intense help like job-training.  You would work with our staff to figure out what you need first. Usually, the goal is a good-paying job or career. You also might benefit from help in other issues, like controlling your temper or avoiding conflict.

If police and prosecutors just did their jobs, violent criminals would be locked up and we wouldn’t need any special program like SAVE KC. What’s your response?

Law enforcement has proven in city after city in America that approach can’t reduce violence. We decided we had to try something new, a strategy designed to pinpoint the very few number of persons (compared to those not involved in violence) who produce the vast majority of fatal and non-fatal shootings in Kansas City. Together, we can build a better, safer future for our entire community.