Brentwood police report two connected vehicle crimes, expand camera and body‑camera programs; committee forwards Blue Shield certification

Brentwood police reported to the Public Safety Committee on March 26 that detectives are investigating two related series of vehicle break‑ins, including a carjacking in which a truck and the suspects’ vehicle were later tied to other crimes in the region.

Chief (Police Department) said detectives believe a group responsible for the March 13 break‑ins on Pine Avenue is the same crew that carjacked two people after breaking into cars at an apartment complex on Van Mark Way. The stolen truck was later used in a burglary in Saint Louis and recovered and processed by Brentwood detectives.

The detective investigation has produced search warrants and “several leads,” the chief said, and a juvenile arrest linked to the Pine Avenue break‑ins earlier supplied additional leads. Officer Brown and Major Jason Simpson were cited as members of traffic and investigative teams supporting enforcement.

The department credited FLOCK license‑plate and camera feeds in the region for critical video evidence. The chief said the system—now deployed at 10 sites in the city and available to neighboring agencies—captured the suspects’ vehicle near McKnight Boulevard just before the highway, which became an important investigative lead.

Police also described technology and equipment updates: training for a new body‑worn camera program scheduled in April with a roughly 30‑day rollout, and completion of a charging station at the police station ahead of an electric patrol vehicle expected in about 30 days. Detective Tim Bone is retiring April 18; the department will post the vacancy.

Separately, committee members discussed a Brentwood Police Foundation effort that funded a K‑9 but has exhausted donated funds. Staff asked to use the department’s asset‑forfeiture account to pay for food, supplies and other K‑9 needs allowed under the department’s forfeiture guidelines. The chief said such purchases are permitted under the department’s asset‑forfeiture manual and that large purchases typically are reviewed with federal liaisons; small‑ticket, guideline‑eligible items are handled internally but remain auditable.

Committee members also reviewed a state Blue Shield program certification that requires a Board of Aldermen resolution. The chief said most listed items for certification reflect activities the police already perform. The committee moved, seconded and voted to adopt a resolution and forward it to the full board for consideration; the roll call recorded the measure as carried unanimously.

No new formal policy changes were adopted on March 26 beyond the resolution referral; staff said the asset‑forfeiture request will proceed to Ways & Means for budgetary review and that formal authorization would be needed there for larger purchases.

Ending: The committee accepted the department report and forwarded the Blue Shield certification resolution to the full Board of Aldermen; detectives continue the active investigations.