Community Services and Programs
The Community Services Division is responsible for public information, crime prevention programs and safety education. Jim Cox is the Community Services Officer, and he is assisted by specially trained officers who handle specific programs.
Crime prevention programs include the Neighborhood Watch, coordination of the Kirkwood-Oakland Night Out, the Business Crime Watch, McGruff the Crime Dog, and Operation Identification. Community Services also updates a Crime Information Hotline, which provides residents with information on recent criminal activity..
As part of its educational outreach program, Community Services has displays at community events and in public buildings. Community Services also conducts safety programs, including assisting with bike rodeos, bicycle safety presentations and other safe driving topics.
The Community Services Division works to build cooperation with various Kirkwood clubs, neighborhood groups, and civic organizations. In addition, the division participates in professional associations of crime prevention practitioners and related fields at the local, state and national levels.
Following is a summary of several community service programs:
BICYCLE IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
Bicycles will be engraved and given an identification sticker so they can be traced back to the Kirkwood Police Department in the event of theft. Call the Community Services Office to make an appointment.
FINGERPRINTS
Police officers will fingerprint Kirkwood-Oakland residents for job applications. Call ahead for an appointment. (314) 822-5858.
KIRKWOOD/OAKLAND CRUSADE AGAINST CRIME
The Kirkwood Crusade Against Crime is a group of volunteers working to educate the public about crime prevention and safety. The Crusade serves in an advisory capacity to the Kirkwood Police Department regarding the Neighborhood Watch activities.
KIRKWOOD/OAKLAND DAY / NIGHT OUT
Kirkwood has participated in the Night Out celebration since its inception. If you would like more information for your neighborhood, please contact the Community Services officer.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
If your neighborhood is not participating, contact Community Services Officer Jim Cox for more information on how to start a watch group. Watch groups receive newsletters throughout the year. Existing Neighborhood Watch groups may want to have a re-certification meeting to update residents.
OPERATION IDENTIFICATION ENGRAVERS
Operation Ident engravers are available for loan to residents to mark their driver's license number on property. Call ahead for an appointment: 314-822-5858.
SECURITY SURVEYS
Information on home and business security is available. Upon appointment, suggestions will be made for your specific situation at no cost. Click here for a PDF file of a Home Security Checklist.
SPEAKERS BUREAU
Speakers are available to talk to groups about a variety of topics.
TOURS
Kirkwood and Oakland Groups may make arrangements to tour the Police Department by contacting Community Services and setting up a date and time.
UNITED BUSINESS WATCH
Property protection and personal safety are examples of the training programs that include a manual and periodic newsletter.
For more information on any of the above programs please call Community Service Office Jim Cox at, 314-822-5868 or e-mail at coxjd@kirkwoodmo.org
POLICE EXPLORER POST 9131
As part of the Boy Scouts of America, the Explorers Post is open to both boys and girls between the ages of 14 (having completed 8th grade) and 20 years old. The Explorers assist the Kirkwood Police with crime prevention programs, traffic details, and other events including: the McGruff Program, Bicycle Safety Awareness Day, Greentree Festival, 4th of July Freedom Festival, Police Pancake Supper, Kirkwood/Oakland "DAY OUT" and runs. The Explorers work an average of 25 details yearly, which results in about 1500 hours of service to the City. For more information, contact Explorer Advisor Sgt. Tim Dixon at 314-984-6900, ext. 6261, or email him at: dixonte@kirkwoodmo.org.