Thursday, December 15, 2011

Serving the Community

The end of the calendar year is a good time to reflect on what we have done well as a department, and what challenges we still face. Certainly there is more work to be done in our community. I am however; especially proud of the efforts we have made in terms of our Community Outreach efforts. Here are some of the highlights from recent months:

·On November 30 a graduation was held to honor the 33 individuals who completed the department’s Citizen Academy program. For the first time, a high school student was included in the class. In total, more than 160 individuals have completed the Citizens Academy since it was reinstated in 2009. The next class in tentatively scheduled for March 2012. For more information, visit the Citizens Academy page of our website.

·On December 3, 40 officers took part in our 2nd Annual Cops 4 Kids – Patrolling for Presents event. Pairs of officers teamed with 20 children who are involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Target Stores and the St. Louis Police Foundation provided funds so that each child could spend $150 on holiday presents for their families and themselves. The event also served as a recruitment event in hopes that officers will choose to serve as a permanent Big Brother or Sister to children in our community.

·On December 4, our Department Choir held its Second Annual Holiday Concert. Department employees, both civilian and commissioned, volunteer their time to the choir. Several members of the community also donate their time and voices for this cause. Since its inception in 2010, the choir has performed a number of concerts including two held as part of 9/11 tributes.

·Our department recently introduced the “Neighborhood Ownership Model” a partnership with the City of St. Louis and the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office. Neighborhoods in this program commit to assisting our department and the other agencies with a number of programs. Neighbors are trained in Citizen Patrols, take part in Court Watch and assist neighbors who have recently been victims of crimes. Neighborhoods interested in this program should contact our Community Outreach Unit at 444-5638.