ST. LOUIS – Cortez Smith has lived in the Walnut Park East neighborhood his entire life.
“I don't like the way it's become,” he said. “You got the lot there that's been vacant, and the lot over there.”
Smith said his neighborhood needs jobs, resources and help from police.
"A few months back, a guy gets killed right over here,” he said, pointing to a street corner near his home. “There have been senseless murders, senseless shootings.”
Smith said part of the problem is a strained relationship between police and residents.
“It's been so long that we feel like we don't trust the police,” he said.
St. Louis Police are trying to change that mindset through the neighborhood blitz program, where city agencies, including police and fire departments, converge on one block.
“The main thing about policing is being able to get out here and engage with the folks and be on the first name basis,” said Officer Gary Ruffin, who has been with the department for 10 years.
Ruffin spent the morning delivering bags containing flyers and lists of resources to every home on the 6000 block of Shulte in north St. Louis. It is his opportunity to spend time with neighbors.
“I'm feeling better about what I'm doing. I can sleep better at night knowing I met a new friend today, going door to door and meeting people,” Ruffin said.
St. Louis Firefighters also participated in the blitz. They installed and inspected smoke detectors. The city’s Forestry Department cleared brush and debris from the sidewalks and alleys.
“It's not going to change with one setting, with them coming one time,” Smith said. “We as a community have to allow the change to occur. Secondly, the police have to show they're not against us. I definitely know it can change.”
There are several blitzes scheduled in the coming months.
