The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department offers many opportunities for deeper citizen involvement in the safety, security, education and crime prevention of our neighborhoods and personal property.
Citizens Academy
Interested in learning more about what police officers do everyday? The Citizens Academy offers an insider’s view into the day-to-day job of a St. Louis City Police Officer and is designed to further strengthen the bond between the department and the community. In addition to classroom instruction, participants also visit with police canines, interact with the department’s bomb and arson robot, tour the 911 center and even use driving and shooting simulators.
CLICK HERE for more information and application.
Citizen Rider Observation Program
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department offers a Citizen Rider Observation program to qualified candidates. You must be 18 years of age or older (exceptions will be made for members of the Police Explorers program, with permission from a parent/legal guardian).
You must also be a:
- St. Louis city resident; or
- St. Louis city business owner; or
- Prospective police officer (who has reached the eligibility list phase of the application process)
You must also have NO prior criminal record other than minor traffic offenses.
The Chief of Police has discretion to approve participation in the Citizen Rider/Observer Program for anyone not meeting all of the above criteria.
CLICK HERE for more details and application.
Police Explorers
The St. Louis Police Explorers Unit educates young adults on the purpose, mission and objectives of law enforcement agencies. Police Explorers have the opportunity to gain practical experiences while also serving the community. The Explorers program strives for participants to become better citizens and community members while promoting high standards of scholarship, character development and physical fitness.
CLICK HERE for more information and application.
Homicide Ministers and Community Alliance (HMCA)
The HMCA was founded to assist families as they cope with the homicide of a loved one. It is designed to provide sensitivity and support to the families of homicide victims, to rebuild and strengthen relationships between the Police Department and the community and to reduce the likelihood of retaliation. The HMCA was founded in 2009 and is a collaboration among the Police Department’s Homicide Division, church leaders in the St. Louis area and other community groups.
CLICK HERE for more information, or call (314) 444-5371.
Police Athletic League (PAL)
The Police Athletic League is a volunteer based program which operates in cooperation with the Metropolitan Police Department, City of St. Louis. PAL provides children in St. Louis with low-cost athletic, educational and cultural programs. Currently, there are more than 700 area children ages 5-18 involved in PAL activities. There is no cost for children to participate in PAL activities. All equipment, uniforms, league fee, registration and insurance are paid by PAL.
CLICK HERE for more information, or call (314) 444-5967.
Community Outreach Meetings
Community Outreach meetings are held every three months (March, June, September and December) on the second Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the Five Star Senior Center located at 2832 Arsenal.