The St. John Police Department employs 23 full-time, sworn officers and 4 civilian employees. Each officer is fully certified by the Missouri Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Commission, administered by the Missouri Department of Public Safety. Beyond the initial Police Academy training required for POST certification, all officers attend regular in-service training throughout their careers to refresh prior training and keep up-to-date with current training issues. We also have volunteer Reserve Officers who supplement and assist their full-time counterparts with various duties and functions. All Reserves must attain required training and certification, and attend in-service training to maintain their status.

With 23 officers serving approximately 6,800 residents in 2.2 square miles, we have an officer to resident ratio of about 3.4 officers per 1,000 residents. In comparison, other jurisdictions may only have 1 – 1.5 officers per 1,000 residents. With officers on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, St. John residents enjoy quality, rapid police services. Once dispatched to a call for service, an officer can respond to any location in the City within a few minutes. We are frequently on a scene within 1-2 minutes for an emergency call.

The St. John Police Department is divided into Patrol, Detective, Traffic, and COPPS (School Resource) divisions. We operate a K-9 Unit and bicycle patrol when weather permits. St. John participates in the St. Louis County Drug Task Force, St. Louis Major Case Squad, and Missouri Amber Alert Systems.