NCJ Number
105097
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 56 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1987) Pages: 1-5
Date Published
1987
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Police training in St. Louis began in 1869 and since 1969 has operated through a regional program that includes the St. Louis city and county police departments as well as the 67 municipal departments in the county.
Abstract
Departmental manuals and reports dating from the city department's earliest history clearly show the concern for training. The 1913 manual stated that police recruits should receive drilling in army tactics and target practice and physical training and athletic exercises. By 1926, the curriculum required 4 weeks for completion. The training program continued to expand in subsequent decades. A parallel program operated through the county police department that replaced the sheriff's department in 1955. The establishment of LEAA and the availability of Federal funds in the late 1960's led to a spirit of cooperation and the formation of the Greater St. Louis Police Academy in 1969. The regional approach now used has several advantages: cost effectiveness, comprehensive programming, standardization of instruction, development of good working relationships among departmental staff, and ease of use of outside agencies such as the FBI. A main advantage is the need for departments to provide their own training in their own procedures. However, none of the obstacles have proven insurmountable, and the regional approach will continue. Figure and photographs.