On Tuesday, September 22, 2009, Chief Timothy Fitch announced a reorganization of the St. Louis County Police Department and new police positions resulting in additional officers on the street. Thirty-eight police positions including three sergeants, two detectives and thirty-three officers have been deployed for additional coverage, special enforcement teams and as Juvenile Policing Officers, to enhance the Youth Violence Initiative started in January of 2009. Chief Fitch stated: "Prior to becoming Chief of Police I attended many citizen functions where I was able to interact with the public and learn what they wanted from their police department. Overwhelmingly the reponse that I received is that people want to see police cars and officers in their neighborhoods and improved response time to calls. One of the first things I did after becoming Chief was to sit down with my Commanding Officers and evaluate every position in our Department, over 1,000 employees, to ascertain if their assignment was the most efficient and effective use of the individual". Chief Fitch added: "Through a very thorough process involving all supervisors from the Department we were able to refine positions from our Division of Criminal Investigation, Division of Special Operations and detached assignments allowing the officers to be placed back in the precincts. In addition, we were able to hire 14 new officers in 2009 to support the Youth Violence Initiative recommended by St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley." "Our precincts are now fully staffed and special teams have been formed in the areas where we experience higher crime rates to combat juvenile offenders and more serious violators" advised Chief Fitch. "The addition of these officers will decrease our response time and will be a visual presence that the public wants to see". County Executive Charlie A. Dooley stated: "I commend the St. Louis County Police Department and Chief Timothy Fitch for this very important pro-active approach and reorganization. Identifying troubled areas and taking active steps to remove the criminal element from our neighborhoods is crucial. Their partnerships and commitment to the citizens they serve will keep this a safe place to live, work and raise a family."
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