NEW POLICE COVERAGE 

By now, I’m sure you have noticed a different police car(s) in our City.  Yes, we have contracted with St. Louis County for police protection.  Ballwin has operated as our police force for many years; I know they have since 1987 when I came on, then the Clarkson Valley Village Board of Trustees.  They did us a fine job during those years and we do thank them for their service.  So why the change?  Let me explain---First, be assured, the Board of Alderpersons believe their first priority to you, the citizens, is protection (discussed in last months’ Mayor Corner).  So this change was not a hasty decision.  We believe we did our homework and made the best decision for all of us.  The criteria that influenced our decision are: 

 (1)    Better coverage at a lesser price –There will be an officer in the City 24 hours a day, providing more coverage for crime reduction.  It’s no secret the presence of the police is a crime prevention tool.  In addition, having the officer in our neighborhoods will allow for more interaction with citizens and City officials as well.  The cost for the service, including a new location for our monthly municipal court, is $385,284 (compared to Ballwin’s $410, 646).

 (2)    Crime Investigation Service –The County Police structure will provide us with the ability to tap into various departments as needed.  The highway safety team can do DWI checkpoints and in-depth investigation of fatal auto accidents.  Detectives are available to us from all of the county units, i.e. drug enforcement to special investigation units, etc.  The forensic crime lab service is also included.

(3)    Other Services –An extensive neighborhood watch program is available, including citizen instruction, signage, bicycle patrol officers if needed, etc.
Citizen police academies are available to inform and educate citizens about police operations. 

In the event of multiple calls for service, the County will dispatch sufficient officers to provide the appropriate action. They have a “municipal aid” cooperative relationship with Wildwood, Ellisville and Chesterfield should additional officers be needed.  This is further enhanced with the County Communication Division.  They dispatch for the above communities now and by adding us any situations developing into additional needs will be known immediately.  Other resources available as needed include: helicopter, bomb trailer and police canines. 

Services not changing are:  vacation watch and speed control throughout the City.  The municipal court will operate the same but from a new location for it’s once a month session, 82 Clarkson/Wilson Center.