In partnership with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and Downtown STL, Inc. (now dissolved), the Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District (CID) launched an initiative that enables officers to accompany residents, visitors, and workers as they make their way around the city. Requesting an officer is as simple as making a phone call. Here are some frequently asked questions about the program.
How Does This Program Work?
The Downtown CID Safety Officer Program is a free service offered to residents and visitors of the Downtown area. The CID contracts with a private security firm to deploy off-duty police officers to work secondary assignments patrolling the Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District.
Upon request, an assigned officer will provide safe passage for you within the Downtown St. Louis Business Core. Follow these steps to request an officer:
- Call 314-280-4817.
- Give your name and location.
- An officer will be dispatched to your location to safely walk you to your destination.
- Enjoy the rest of your day/evening!
Where and What Times of Day is This Service Available?
Officers may accompany pedestrians within the CID (see map).
Monday – Friday: 9a.m. – 1a.m.*
*Contingent upon officer availability.
Keep in mind that this schedule is subject to change, and residents can always call 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency.
Who’s In Charge of the Program?
The program is an initiative of the Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District (CID), a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, in partnership with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
Are Taxpayers Funding This Service or is it Privately Funded?
The service is funded through the Downtown St. Louis Community Investment District (CID) assessment, which is paid for by private property owners in Downtown.
Who Exactly is Walking with Me?
You will be accompanied by a commissioned police officer within the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. These men and women are very familiar with the businesses, streets, and overall activity in Downtown St. Louis. The responding officer will be in a fully recognizable St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department uniform.
Will I be Given the Name of the Officer and Estimated Time of Arrival When I Call?
An estimated time of arrival will be provided and, in most instances, the name of the responding police officer.
How Will I Know When They Arrive? Will They Ask for Me by Name?
The officer will respond to the exact location given to begin your safety escort. A phone call or text notification upon arrival can be arranged.
Are These Commissioned Police Officers the Same as the SLMPD Officers on the Streets? Do They Receive the Same Training?
Yes. The commissioned police officers are also part of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and have received the same training.
Are You Pulling Offices Off the Street for This Service?
No. The CID contracts with a private security firm to deploy off-duty police officers to work secondary assignments within the Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District. Our goal is to boost the safety of our city by supplementing SLMPD’s regular services.
Proactive Safety Tips
- Download the Noonlight (formerly SafeTrek) app. You can use it whenever you may be walking alone at night or feel uneasy. Simply open the app and hold a button on the screen — once you’re comfortable, remove your finger and enter a four-digit PIN. If you remove your finger without entering the PIN, local law-enforcement is alerted. Noonlight then provides police with your location.
- Walk with a buddy or in a group.
- Walk in well-lit areas.
- Remove all valuables when leaving your vehicle.
- If you see suspicious activity, tell the nearest police officer or call (314) 280-4817.