For Immediate Release
August 13, 2025
New data shows group-related violence has dropped across Kansas City as the SAVE KC focused deterrence strategy has taken shape over the past year and a half.
SAVE KC launched in May 2024, bringing together the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Kansas City Police Department, the City of Kansas City, and service providers to directly engage individuals at highest risk of committing violence or becoming victims of violence. The program focuses on addressing group-related violence.
From 2024 to 2025, data shows progress in specific patterns of violence:
- Group-related homicides involving KCPD-identified violent group members as victims or suspects decreased 40%
- Nonfatal shootings involving KCPD-identified violent group members as victims or suspects dropped 62%
- Overall victims of nonfatal shootings dropped 34%
- Incidents involving multiple nonfatal shooting victims fell 46%
- Nonfatal shooting incidents involving SAVE KC-identified individuals decreased 23%
“While multiple factors may influence violence trends, we are encouraged by these reductions following the first year and a half of our new focused deterrence approach,” said Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson. “SAVE KC focuses on interrupting group-related violence by providing paths to opportunity and addressing the root causes of violence. As we see more clients choosing the path of opportunity, I hope this is the beginning of lasting positive change in our community.”
"SAVE KC proves that combining accountability with opportunity saves lives. When we offer real paths to housing, employment, and stability alongside strong enforcement, people choose change. These results show focused deterrence works, not just by consequences, but by opening doors. We're committed to this approach because it creates lasting safety for our entire community,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas.
Individuals or clients identified through SAVE KC are invited to call-ins where they are warned of enhanced enforcement and consequences for continued criminal activity. Clients hear moving stories from individuals who were formerly involved in criminal activity and those affected by violence. At the end of the call-in, clients can choose to engage with service providers who connect them with essential services including housing support, job placement, food assistance, mental health counseling, and more.
So far this year, all 38 clients who attended a call-in chose to engage in services including employment opportunities, housing, and relocation services.
“Many SAVE KC clients face interconnected barriers that are difficult to overcome without the right support,” said Prosecutor 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.”
One client went from homelessness to stable housing and employment at the same hotel where SAVE KC service providers helped them find a room. Another is working with the Urban League on his resume and job placement, hoping to one day become a gang interventionalist.
“We can’t arrest our way out of this issue,” said KCPD Chief Stacey Graves. “Our approach is to balance accountability and opportunity to show our clients there are real consequences for violence but also provide immediate access to the resources they need to choose a better path instead.”
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Media Contact:
Jazzlyn Johnson
Director of Communications
Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office
415 E 12th Street
Kansas City, MO - 64106
(816) 929-1289
jazzlyn.johnson@jacksongov.org
https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com