Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Welcome to the NEW slmpd.org!

If you remember the old slmpd.org then you already know that things look a lot different around here today. We’ve launched a completely redesigned web site that we’re pretty proud of. Allow me to give you the grand tour!

On the home page, you’ll find a link to current news which will show you the most recent news releases we’ve issued. You’ll also find a link that will give you information about how to compliment an officer. We’re also going to feature some of the many letters we receive about the good work that our officers do. There is a neighborhood link that will help you find out the police district in which you reside, and there are individual pages for each police District. It’s important for you to know who the Captain is for your police District and how you can get involved in things like Neighborhood Watch or community meetings. An informed neighborhood is usually a safer one. Get involved! The Internal Affairs link will provide you with information about how to file a complaint against an employee and there’s even a form that will allow you to begin the complaint process online. The form goes directly to a supervisor in the Internal Affairs Division and is confidential. Our most requested links are also on the homepage, including information about how to retrieve a copy of a police report, and a link to more detailed crime statistics than we’ve ever had on this website before. We’ve broken down the statistics by city neighborhood, by police District and by political ward. The Fallen Officer Memorial pays tribute to the 161 police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Finally, there are links to CrimeStoppers, (where you can report anonymous tips online even), CALEA, (the organization that awarded us an international accreditation), and the St. Louis Police Foundation which generously donates funds to the Department in an effort to help us provide the highest level of police service possible.

And all of that is on the homepage! Our former website had 22 pages, this one has more than 70 and we anticipate adding even more in the weeks and months to come.

Once inside the website, you’ll find a complete Department history from 1808 to today, information about the Department’s Senior Commanders and information about community outreach programs like the Police Athletic League and GREAT—our anti-gang program. We’ve also added in-depth information about the process of becoming a police officer. If you’re thinking of applying, you’ll definitely want to read the Careers section. We have more information about the application process than we’ve ever had before. We’ve also added a cold cases page, where each month we’ll feature a different case. If the exposure is able to generate even one new lead, it’s worth it. There is also in-depth information about various divisions of the Department as well as tips about everything from preventing fraud and identity theft to how to make sure your children are safe while surfing the internet.

One of the most significant changes is the rotating headlines that are featured. It’s our way of keeping you informed about the latest happenings inside the Department. These headlines will change frequently so you will always be in the know.

So step inside, take a look around. I think you’ll like what you see and I know that some of what you find here will help you too.