January 24, 2014

SLMPD Transitions from Nine to Six Police Districts

The change will equally distribute resources among districts On Monday, January 27, 2014, the Metropolitan Police Department, City of St. Louis, will implement major district boundary changes and transition from nine to six police districts. The new district patrol plan will go into effect beginning at 4:00 a.m. The police department has followed a model of nine police districts for more than fifty years when the Citys population was around 750,000, and the department employed more than 2,200 sworn police officers. In 2014, more than 318,000 residents live in the City and the department employs around 1,250 police officers. The transition to six districts and reorganization of the department will help better utilize resources. Redistricting emerged out of a careful study of calls for service, data-driven analysis and a desire to better deliver services and reduce crime. Under the new patrol configuration, Districts 1 and 2 will operate out of South Patrol, 3157 Sublette, Districts 3 and 4 will operate out of Central Patrol, 919 North Jefferson, and Districts 5 and 6 will operate out of North Patrol, 4014 Union. This change is good for the City. Reducing the number of police districts will allow the department to consolidate command structures, put more officers on the street and deploy resources in areas that need it most. Implementing six districts will also allow more officers to focus on hot-spot policing, said Chief Sam Dotson. Were not just talking about more police presence on our streets. Were talking about a police presence thats smarter, better and more effective. Citizens can view Chief Dotsons Redistricting Presentation, district maps and learn more about district captains at www.slpmd.org. Citizens are also encouraged to leave feedback on redistricting on the department website or at the three area patrol stations. ###

Service, Integrity, Leadership and Fair Treatment to All