ST. LOUIS — The Gateway Regional Criminal Interdiction Task Force (GRCITF) recently activated after an announcement in April.

"We all share the same mission: to protect our residents from becoming victims of crime," said Mark Mossotti, chairman of the St. Louis Area Police Chiefs Association. "By pooling our resources, we're able to bring together more officers and provide stronger coverage in areas expereiencing heightened criminal activity."

GRCITF pools multiple departments’ resources including specialized units with advanced technology and intel, drones and other air support means, K9 units, tactical medics and other first responders.


What You Need To Know

  • 16 police departments and more state funded agencies are involved in the Gateway Regional Criminal Interdiction Task Force

  • St. Charles County and St. Charles City law enforcement reports this model of pooled resource support led to significant reduction in auto related thefts as well as overdose deaths

  • On June 11, 2025, an operation resulted in seizing four stolen vehicles, two recovered firearms, six felony drug offenses, 31 cleared warrants and 25 arrests, including 13 felony arrests

The task force is already supporting Governor Kehoe’s Safer Missouri Initiative that focuses on reducing crime, supporting law enforcement and fostering community partnerships.

On June 11, 2025, an operation resulted in seizing four stolen vehicles, two recovered firearms, six felony drug offenses, 31 cleared warrants and 25 arrests, including 13 felony arrests.

"The results of our latest enforcement operation show how effective we can be when we unite for a common mission," said Chris DiGiuseppi, Police Chief of Lake St. Louis who worked on the GRCITF crime plan team.

St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, led by Melissa Price Smith, issued task force warrants on charges including aggravated felony fleeing, kidnapping, felony assaults. Per Lake St. Louis Police, Price Smith's office is considering charges involving drug offenses, stolen vehicles and weapons offenses.

"Deterring cirminal activity protects the people of St. Louis County," stated Price Smith in a press release. "When I speak to residents, they express concern regarding stolen vehciles and the risk of being injured due to dangersous and reckless driving. We will continue to hold accountable those who threaten or hurt our residents."

GRCITF expanded on an existing and effective task force that St. Charles County began a few years ago which led to a reduction in auto theft by 44% and a 57% reduction in thefts from vehicles, according to Kurt Frisz, the police chief of St. Charles County. 

St. Charles City Police Chief Ray Juengst believes their coordinated effort played a big role in the 61% reduction of overdose deaths across the county from 2023 to 2024.

"For several years, our office and police agencies have worked as one team which has yielded the successful dramatic reduction of criminal activity," said St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney Joe McCulloch. "We will continue to collaborate and partner with others as we expand these efforts to protect our communities."

The GRCITF task force commanders said operations will move forward and expand as more agencies become involved to impact crime in the region.