Effective on Sunday, February 1st, 2009, St. Louis County Police Officers will begin 24 hour police protection in the City of St. George. The elected officials of the City of St. George voted unanimously to contract with the St. Louis County Police Department. The contract is for five years and is adjusted annually. A detailed letter explaining the change will be delivered to all residents and business owners in the City of St. George. Residents will be given an opportunity to meet the men and women of the police department during an open house hosted by the City of St. George and the St. Louis County Police Department in the upcoming weeks. The date will be announced at a later time.

The City of St. George is the 17th city in which the St. Louis County Police Department has a contractual responsibility and commitment to be the exclusive provider of professional police service.

The St. Louis County Police Department is driven to empower the community to take an active role in the neighborhood policing philosophy. This includes an active Neighborhood Watch Program, safety seminars, crime prevention material, Internet web site, Citizen Academies, Bicycle Patrol, Municipal Services and more. In addition to these pro-active programs, the City of St. George will receive prudent professional investigative support. With more than 100 detectives who specialize in over 20 categories, to include Crimes Against Persons and Property, Arson and Explosives, Family Crime and Drug Enforcement.

We have been nationally recognized by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). This signifies the attainment of a body of standards which further the professional level of services offered by a law enforcement agency. The St. Louis County Police Department is the largest provider of local law enforcement services in the State of Missouri to achieve this certification.

The City of St. George Mayor, The Honorable Heather Hediger stated, "The positive response we have so far received about our decision gives me confidence that the ensuing partnership with the St. Louis County Police Department will be one that will enhance the service our City provides. I look forward to entering this new era in police protection for our residents."

Chief Lee added, "We are encouraged by the support and cooperation that we are receiving from the Honorable Heather Hediger, the elected officials and the citizens of St. George, and we value the opportunity to become the exclusive provider of police services. If anyone would like to participate in our Department's Ride-On-Patrol Program to learn more about our organization and see what we do on a daily basis, they should contact Captain Jon Belmar, Commander of the Aftton Southwest Precinct, at (314) 615-4266 or Lieutenant Gary Berra at (314) 615-0184."

Media Relations Staff:

Police Officer Rick Eckhard 615-4282

Sergeant James McWilliams 615-3928

Lieutenant Christopher Stocker 615-0184

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