Fenton, West County Precincts Host Citizens Police Academy

Residents can learn the ins and outs of police work next month when the St. Louis County Police Department's West County and City of Fenton precincts hold a citizens' police academy.

The academy is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on consecutive Wednesdays beginning Sept. 21, culminating with a graduation ceremony Nov. 9 at the West County Precinct, 232 Vance Rd. in Valley Park, where participants will receive a certificate of completion.

Attendees will learn the hows and whys of traffic stops, as well as how to avoid being a crime victim. They will also hear from detectives of the Crimes Against Persons and Crimes Against Property units and see presentations from auto-theft investigators, crime scene unit investigators, K-9 unit officers and tactical operations unit
members.

They will also take field trips to the Emergency Communications Center and the Buzz Westfall Justice Center in Clayton and the Metro Air Support Unit hangar in Chesterfield.

"The Citizens Police Academy creates the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with the officers who serve and protect your community," St. Louis County Police Chief of Police Timothy Fitch said in a recently released statement.

Fitch said that participants will learn steps they can take to avoid being the victims of crime, and will get the opportunity to see firsthand how the St. Louis County Police Department operates.

"Instead of relying on television or Hollywood, graduates of these academies can gain personal knowledge and experience in how actual police officers patrol their beats, conduct traffic stops and investigate crime," Fitch said. "Classes are instructed by law enforcement professionals in various fields."

The Citizens Police Academy is free and open to all St. Louis County residents. Advanced registration is required because seating is limited.

To obtain a registration form or get more details contact Seventh Precinct Officer Vince Bazzoni at 314-615-0707 or vbazzoni@stlouisco.com or Fenton Precinct Officer Aaron Dilks at 636-349-8120 or adilks@stlouisco.com.

Residents can stop at either the Seventh Precinct, 232 Vance Rd. in Valley Park, or the Fenton Precinct, 625 New Smizer Mill Rd. in Fenton to obtain registration forms.

Individuals with disabilities or special needs who wish to participate in this program should contact the department's ADA coordinator at 314-615-4273 (voice) about any questions or accommodations necessary to make the meeting site or information accessible.