"This is one way where we can maximize our resources to help lower that criminal activity," said Capt. Mike Fumagalli with St. Louis County Police Department.
The planned protest was called to address a lack of development in the city, overgrown city lots, and concerns about transparency in government operations.
The center, operating from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through June 26, brings together dozens of government agencies and nonprofit organizations under one roof.
Not only has the region seen more than double its yearly tornado total, but meteorologists say it's also had a "disproportionately high" number of violent twisters.