"That can be a victim of violence, a suspect of violence, being associated with violence, being around it," said Molly Manske, SAVE KC project director of services. "Because we know that the closer you are to violence the higher likelihood you get affected by violence in some way."

From 2024 to 2025, the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department reported that group-related homicides involving KCPD-identified violent group members as victims or suspects decreased by 40%. Nonfatal shooting incidents involving SAVE KC-involved identified individuals decreased by 23%. More than 50 people are currently being served through the program.

Violent crime is down in Kansas City, and leaders point to the success of SAVE KC, a focused deterrence program that helps support people at-risk or associated with violence change the trajectory of their life.

From 2024 to 2025, data shows progress in crimes involving KCPD-identified violent group members as victims or suspects. Group-related homicides decreased 40 percent, while nonfatal shootings dropped 62 percent. Overall victims of nonfatal shootings decreased 32 percent.

Through the program, SAVE KC invites clients to "call-ins" where they discuss enforcement and consequences of continued criminal activity. Clients are also connected with housing support services, job placement, mental health services and more.

"Many SAVE KC clients face interconnected barriers that are difficult to overcome without the right support,” said Johnson. “They need identification to obtain a job, but need documentation to get an ID, but may need transportation to get that documentation. Our service providers guide them through each step, removing obstacles, so they can build the successful lives they envision for themselves."