University City Police Chief Hampton presented a public safety update at the council study session Monday, reporting a multi-year decline in major crimes and outlining recruitment, training, volunteer programs and technology investments.

"From 2016 to 2024, in all of those areas, there was a 58.28% decrease in that crime," Chief Hampton said, summarizing a multi-year trend the department attributes to consistent strategies and regional collaboration. The chief said he expects further decreases for 2025 when final numbers are tallied.

Chief Hampton described staffing and recruitment challenges faced across the St. Louis region, noting larger agencies and federal organizations recruit experienced personnel. He said University City currently has 74 officers authorized under a 79-officer allocation and has full-time dispatch staffing at 10 of 12 positions. The chief discussed active recruitment pipelines and academy enrollments, listing multiple academy partnerships (Eastern Missouri Law Enforcement Academy, Saint Louis County academy, Jefferson Community College, Lincoln University/Harris–Stowe affiliation).

The department also highlighted volunteer and chaplain programs, community training (including active-intruder scenarios conducted for city employees), and targeted recruitment events. "We have to utilize a lot of innovative strategies to compete," the chief said, describing local hiring events, outreach to colleges and internal pathways from dispatch and code compliance into sworn roles.

On technology, Chief Hampton and city staff said the city has negotiated an extension for its gunshot-detection/surveillance contract through 2026 and is evaluating other tools, including limited-use robots for commercial districts and continued drone imagery for situational awareness. City staff and the chief said technology investments are being evaluated as augmentations to limited staff capacity rather than replacements.

Council members praised the department and asked about specific collaborations and technology value. Council Member Clay and others asked about Washington University coordination; the chief described an active working relationship and noted retired University City personnel serve in the Washington University Police Department. Staff also clarified the division of code responsibilities: environmental/outside issues fall under police code compliance; indoor/home issues fall under planning and zoning code enforcement.

The chief closed by noting the department is undergoing reaccreditation through the Missouri Police Chiefs Association and emphasized community engagement as central to policing strategies.

Selected quote: "Consistent public safety strategies done right, defining community values," Chief Hampton said when summarizing the department's approach.

Ending: Council thanked the chief for the presentation and had no further immediate actions; questions and follow-up requests focused on technology cost-effectiveness and ongoing regional coordination.