Investing in At-Risk Individuals: How St. Louis Reduces Violence Through Rehabilitation and Second Chances

In the fight to reduce violence in St. Louis, a growing body of evidence and local initiatives suggest that investing in people—especially those with criminal records—could be a critical, if underutilized, strategy. As the city grapples with persistent community violence, programs aimed at providing employment opportunities and supportive services to justice-involved individuals are gaining traction as part of a broader, systemic approach to prevention.

The idea is rooted in a simple but powerful premise: reducing recidivism and breaking cycles of violence requires more than law enforcement; it demands economic opportunity, social support, and a commitment to second chances. In St. Louis, where homicide rates have historically been among the highest in the nation, these efforts are not just about hiring people with criminal records—they’re about creating pathways to stability that can, in turn, reduce the likelihood of future conflict.

Local organizations and city agencies are increasingly turning to “violence interruption” and “supportive reentry” programs. These initiatives employ credible messengers—often individuals with lived experience—to mediate conflicts, provide mentorship, and connect community members with resources. A key component of this work is expanding fair-chance hiring, a practice that looks beyond criminal history to the skills and potential of job seekers. Saint Louis University’s Transformative Workforce Academy (SLU TWA), for example, connects justice-involved individuals with employers willing to overlook past convictions and focus on the talent and strengths of the applicant.

Fair-chance hiring is not without its challenges. Employers may harbor misconceptions about the risks of hiring people with criminal records, and insurance and liability concerns can be barriers for small businesses. However, research from organizations like the RAND Corporation and the University of Chicago’s Inclusive Economy Lab indicates that these fears are often overstated. Studies show that, with the right support, formerly incarcerated individuals can be reliable and productive employees, contributing to both their own stability and the economic health of their communities.

St. Louis has already made strides in this direction. The city’s Office of Violence Prevention has allocated nearly $9 million to initiatives like “Save Lives Now,” which combines community street outreach with cognitive-behavioral interventions to address the root causes of violence. These programs are designed to help individuals change harmful thought patterns and behaviors, while also providing occupational opportunities focused on violence reduction.

Yet, the path forward is not without obstacles. Skepticism from employers, limited funding, and the need for sustained political and community support all play a role in determining the success of these efforts. Still, the evidence is clear: investing in people—especially those who have faced systemic barriers—is not just a moral imperative, but a practical strategy for building safer, more equitable communities.

As St. Louis continues to refine its violence prevention initiatives, the focus on second-chance hiring and supportive reentry reflects a broader shift in how cities approach public safety. The goal is not just to reduce crime, but to create conditions where every person has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their past.