Regional Police Training Center Moves to Next Step

The leaders of four counties announced plans this spring for a Gateway Regional Law Enforcement Training Center, a proposal that now goes before their four legislative bodies for consideration.

St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann, Jefferson County Executive Dennis Gannon and Franklin County Presiding Commissioner Dave Schatz have drafted an intergovernmental agreement covering site selection, construction and operation of the facility.

"Regionalism isn't easy," Ehlmann says. "But we've reached a consensus on a plan that, if approved by the legislative bodies of our counties, will greatly enhance police training and public safety in the whole region."

Among the provisions of the plan:

• Eight-member governing commission with four members from St. Louis County, two from St. Charles County, one from Jefferson County and one from Franklin County
• Commission to select a site near the demographic center of region
• Commission is the recipient of a state grant for construction costs
• Public bidding process for construction

The center will offer training sponsored by the member counties which will be available to all law enforcement in their counties and beyond, including the County and Municipal Police Academy, operated by St. Louis County. It would locate at the facility and offer both initial and continuing education training for all police officers in the region.

The $50 million state grant awarded by the Missouri Department of Public Safety will be used for building construction. Conceptual plans for the facility include replicas of an urban street and a home interior for real-world training scenarios, as well as virtual reality simulator rooms, traditional classrooms, simulator spaces and a specialized firing range capable of integrating vehicle-based firearms training.

"Regional police departments will all have access to the same high-quality, hands-on training," says Ehlmann. "This will end the hodge-podge of different departments with different know-how."

St. Louis County Executive Sam Page has expressed his support.

"This is a project we have been working on with regional leaders for several years and is a great example of working together to make our region safer," Page says. "This project will allow for uniform training of our police officers, using best practices that provide us with talented officers who serve with compassion and understanding of the complex landscape of our communities."

Jefferson County Executive Dennis Gannon says it's a great opportunity.

"I hope the legislative bodies can all agree this will be great for public safety and a no-brainer to get $50 million from the state to build it," Gannon says.

Franklin County Presiding Commissioner Dave Schatz says high quality standardized training will be a great help to law enforcement in our region

"I support the regionalized approach and look forward to the discussion with our commissioners, hopefully we can agree on the benefits and get this done," Schatz says.

The intergovernmental agreement is expected to be introduced for discussion before the four county legislative bodies in the coming weeks.