St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s office announces citizens academy

The St. Louis Circuit Attorney‘s office announced its new educational program that hopes to offer citizens a peek behind the curtain of the city’s justice system.

The office said in a press release it is now accepting applications for the first class of the Citizens Academy. The program is free and is “a six-week educational program that gives the public a behind-the-scenes look at how justice is pursued in St. Louis courts,” it said.

Classes begin on Oct. 9 and go on until Nov. 13 and the office will accept applications until Sept. 15.

“Through interactive seminars, site visits and discussions with prosecutors and staff, participants will learn how cases move through the criminal justice system, from investigation to trial to sentencing,” the office said. “Sessions will also include visits to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center, courtrooms and other partner agencies.”

“The Citizens Academy allows us to open our doors and build stronger connections with the people we serve,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. “It’s an opportunity for residents to see how our office works, our decision-making process and the standards we uphold, while also giving us the chance to hear directly from the community.”

Applications are available on the office’s website.

Note: An earlier version of this story had the incorrect office announcing the educational program.