City Council Votes Down Proposed Crime Task Force

A proposal for a citizens crime task force failed to win approval from the University City City Council Monday night. 

Councilman Michael Glickert proposed the plan along with Mayor Shelley Welsch. Glickert said while the police are doing a great job solving crimes, the community should come together to figure out how to deal with violent crimes in the area.

Councilman Terry Crow said he didn't see the need for the city to create another citizen task force.

"The police chief has what he needs and Council members Price and Sharpe have laid out a plan," he said. "We have a checkered past with focus groups."

Councilman Byron Price pointed to a crime report prepared by University City Police Chief Charles Adams in September and the city's recent decision to hire additional police officers.

"The chief and his staff have laid out what they need," he said. "Lets move forward on the action items." 

Mayor Welsch said she believed in a grass roots approach and believed a citizens task force would help the police department do its job better by educating citizens.

Read Mayor Welsch's letter to council members on the crime task force.

"We've had seven unfortunate violent crimes this year," Welsch said. "Other crime is down in University City but there is a perception out there that our city is not safe."

Council members pointed to the Police Focus Group, which meets on the last Tuesday of each month at Heman Park Community Center. Councilman Arthur Sharpe suggested holding additional meetings at various locations throughout the city.

Violent crime isn't the only concern of residents, Councilwoman Paulette Carr argued. She noted the high number of burglaries and break-ins in her ward.

The task force proposal was voted down 4-3.