Safety
Extensive resources on everything from staying safe on icy sidewalks to participating in neighborhood watch chat groups.
The SRG Safety Committee works year-round to keep Soulard a secure and welcoming neighborhood — through workshops, neighborhood watch groups, and a growing security-camera database. Use the guide below to find safety programs, ordinances, and practical tips. Questions? Email safety@soulard.org.
Camera Registration
A voluntary, confidential database of doorbell and security cameras across Soulard.
SRG's Safety Committee is developing a Security Camera Safety Program: a list of doorbell and security cameras from homes and businesses in the Soulard neighborhood. In the event of a crime or incident, the camera locations and contact information will be shared with detectives by the liaison officer.
The identity of camera owners participating in the program and their camera locations are kept confidential. This program is completely voluntary. Registering does not give police direct access to your footage — it simply lets detectives know who to ask if an incident occurs nearby.
Resolving Concerns & Reporting Crime
A step-by-step approach to handling neighborhood concerns and knowing when to call the police.
Quick Step-By-Step
- Determine whether your concern involves a property condition or an individual.
- If you suspect criminal activity, contact the police.
- For neighbor-to-neighbor issues, a calm, direct conversation often resolves the matter.
- Always record details of your conversations — dates, times, and what was said.
- Escalate to the appropriate city department or the Safety Committee if the issue continues.
Should I Report a Crime?
If you suspect criminal activity, report it. Reporting builds an accurate record of activity in the neighborhood and helps direct police resources where they are needed most.
- Emergency (in progress): 911
- Non-emergency line: (314) 231-1212
- Citizens' Service Bureau: (314) 622-4800
Reporting Gunshots to the Police
You can call either 911 or the non-emergency line to report suspected gunshots. If you know with some certainty where the shots were fired, call 911 so officers can be dispatched to the location. If you are unsure, the non-emergency line still creates a record that helps police track patterns.
Golf Cart Safety
Golf carts are a common sight in Soulard — here is what Missouri law requires.
What Does Missouri Law Say?
- Only licensed drivers over the age of 16 may operate a golf cart on a public street.
- Drivers must comply with all traffic control devices.
- Golf carts cannot be driven on sidewalks.
- Carts must be equipped with mirrors and required safety equipment.
Where Can I Drive My Golf Cart?
Golf carts may not be driven on a federal or state highway, and may not be used to cross an intersection where the street being crossed has a speed limit of 45 miles per hour or more.
Street Parking Safety
Soulard's narrow, historic streets have specific parking rules under City Ordinance Chapter 17.24.
- Park with the right-hand wheels parallel to and within 12 inches of the right-hand curb.
- Do not block alleys, driveways, crosswalks, or fire hydrants.
- Observe posted street-cleaning signs to avoid ticketing and towing.
- Do not park within an intersection or on a sidewalk.
- Leave adequate room for emergency vehicles on Soulard's narrow streets.
- Move vehicles for scheduled street cleaning (see City Resources for the schedule).
- Report abandoned or derelict vehicles to the Citizens' Service Bureau.
Outside Lighting Safety
Good exterior lighting is one of the simplest and most effective crime deterrents.
- Avoid routine — turn lights on at different times so your home does not look predictably empty.
- Use motion-sensor lights at entry points and along dark passages.
- Keep porch and rear-door lights on from dusk to dawn.
- Consider timers or smart bulbs when you are away.
- Trim shrubs and trees that block light or create hiding spots.
- Coordinate with neighbors so alleys and shared spaces stay well lit.
- Report broken alley or street lights (Ameren: (314) 342-1000).
Dog Courtesy & Safety in Soulard
Soulard is a dog-loving neighborhood. Knowing the local laws keeps everyone — and every pet — safe.
State & Local Leash Laws
Dogs must be leashed in public. If a dog is tethered, tethering is limited to a maximum of 10 continuous hours and no more than 12 hours in any 24-hour period. Any tether must be at least 15 feet long and fitted with swivels to prevent tangling.
Cleaning Up After Your Pets
Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets on sidewalks, in parks, and in all public spaces. Carry bags and dispose of waste properly — it keeps Soulard's brick sidewalks and green spaces pleasant for everyone.
Responsibility for Dog Bites
Under Missouri law, a dog owner is strictly liable for bites that occur on public property or when the bite victim is lawfully on private property. An owner is generally not liable to a trespasser.
Animal Care & Control
- Animal Care & Control: (314) 657-1500
- After hours: (314) 231-1212
Protecting Your Vehicle
The Safety Committee partnered with the Special Business District to offer residents free car clubs.
How to Get a Car Club
The SRG Safety Committee has partnered with the Soulard Special Business District (SBD) to offer residents up to 2 free car clubs per household. A car club is a highly visible steering-wheel lock that deters theft.
Eligibility: you must be a current Soulard resident with an active lease or an owner-occupied home. To request your car clubs, email safety@soulard.org.
Organizing Your Block
Strong, connected blocks are the foundation of a safe neighborhood.
Become a Block Captain
Block captains help build strong, connected blocks in Soulard by welcoming new neighbors, sharing safety information, and coordinating a Neighborhood Watch. The SRG uses GroupMe chat groups so neighbors can quickly share alerts and look out for one another.
How to Get Your Block Organized
- Reach out to the Safety Committee at safety@soulard.org to volunteer as a block captain.
- Attend a block-captain orientation and training session at Soulard Station.
- Set up a GroupMe chat and invite the neighbors on your block.
- Share safety updates, watch for suspicious activity, and welcome new residents.
Staying Safe on Soulard's Sidewalks
Soulard's historic brick sidewalks are beautiful — and can be slippery in winter.
Slip Season Tips for Our Senior Residents
- Wear footwear with good tread and low, stable heels in cold, wet weather.
- Take shorter steps and walk slowly on uneven or icy brick.
- Keep your own walkways and steps clear of snow, ice, and leaves.
- Use handrails on stoops and stairs, and salt or sand slick spots.
- Carry a phone in case you fall, and check on elderly neighbors after storms.
- Report hazardous public sidewalks to the Citizens' Service Bureau, (314) 622-4800.
Help keep Soulard safe
Join the SRG to connect with your neighbors, support the Safety Committee's programs, and have a voice in the future of our community.