The Clayton Police Department offers a variety of community service and public education and relations programs. The majority of these programs are the responsibility of the department's Community Service Corporal; however, other units and divisions fulfill needs in accordance with need and expertise.

 

Information on Unmanned Aircraft/Drones

An Unmanned Aircraft System, commonly referred to as a drone, is an aircraft without a pilot onboard, controlled from an operator on the ground. It is the responsibility of the drone operator to understand and abide by the rules established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A summary of Small Unmanned Aircraft Rule (part 107) can be found at https://www.faa.gov/uas/media/Part_107_Summary.pdf. For more information, resources and rules associated with flying drones, including whether you are required to register your drone with the FAA, please visit the Federal Aviation Administration’s website at https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/.

The FAA also sponsors a free “B4UFLY” (Before You Fly) smartphone app to help drone operators determine whether there are any restrictions or requirements in effect at the location where they want to fly. The app can be found at https://www.faa.gov/uas/where_to_fly/b4ufly/.

If you have any questions regarding the operation of drones in the City of Clayton, please contact the Clayton Police Department at (314)645-3000. To report an emergency related to the operation of a drone, please contact Clayton Police Dispatch at 9-1-1.

 

Tips to Prevent Car Break-ins and Vehicle Theft

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a motor vehicle is stolen every 32 seconds in the United States. With a few simple precautions you can help protect your car and the belongings inside it from theft. 

• Park in well-lit areas. 
• Close and lock all windows and doors.
• Hide or remove your phone, wallet, electronics and purses/bags from your car every time that you leave it. If possible, avoid leaving shopping bags in plain view inside your vehicle.
• Always remove your keys from the vehicle, even while it's parked at home. Also, be sure to remove any spare or valet keys. 
• Never leave your car unattended while the engine is running. Remember, not all remote-start systems are designed to prevent someone from driving away without the key.

The Clayton Police Department provides free steering wheel locks for owners of Kia and Hyundai owners with vehicles equipped with key-start ignitions. Eligible vehicle model years are 2011-2022. Steering wheel locks are available at the Clayton Police Department front office Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Supplies are limited, and you must show proof of residency and current vehicle registration.

Home Security Checklist

The Clayton Police Department has developed a guide to evaluate your home’s security utilizing the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). Crime prevention is a matter of balancing risk and choices, based on what is practical and what we know about criminal behavior. 

This Crime Prevention Survey was developed as a courtesy for you by the Community Services Division of the Clayton Police Department. It does not address code violations or other safety issues. While every effort has been made to incorporate reasonable means to reduce the opportunities for criminal activities to occur, there is no expressed or implied guarantee that no criminal activity will take place if these suggestions are implemented. The recommendations for improvement are based on CPTED principles, which are widely accepted in the security, law enforcement and architectural fields.

• CPD Home Security Checklist

 

Free Gun Locks and Surrender of Firearms and Ammunition

The Clayton Police Department distributes free gunlocks upon request. For additional information or to receive your free lock, please contact Community Services Corporal Jenny Schwartz by phone (314)290-8424 or email at jschwartz@claytonmo.gov.

Officers are periodically called upon to assist residents when they have firearms or ammunition they no longer wish to keep. The safest and easiest way to dispose of a firearm or ammunition is to call the non-emergency police dispatch number (314)645-3000 and request an officer respond to your home. We ask that you please leave the weapon in a safe location and when the officer arrives, direct the officer to it. The officer will ensure the gun is unloaded and rendered safe before taking possession of it.

Some residents may prefer to deliver the gun or ammunition to the police station. While this is not the preferred method, it is acceptable. If you choose to bring the weapon to the police department, we ask that you please follow these steps:

Ensure the weapon is unloaded and place it in the trunk or rear of your vehicle, separate from any ammunition. Please bring your driver’s license or some sort of identification. When you arrive at the station, leave the weapon or ammunition secured in your vehicle. Once you speak with the front desk, an officer will be called to the station to take a police report and take possession of the gun or ammunition.

All firearms and ammunition are temporarily stored in a secure vault. After a serial number check for theft, they are transported to a secure facility where they are destroyed.

We ask that you please remember to utilize these safety rules when handling any weapon.

1. Make sure your firearm(s) are unloaded.
2. Preferably, lock your firearm(s) in a secure container.
3. Ammunition can be placed in a box or specified ammo can.
4. Upon transport, lock the firearm(s) in the trunk of your car and store the ammunition in either the glove box and/or the interior compartment area.
5. Drive straight to the police department.
6. Once your firearm(s) and/or ammunition have been turned over, a police report number will be given to you for documentation purposes.

If you should ever encounter any type of military ordnance and/or explosives such as grenades, pipe bombs, sticks of dynamite, or containers of gun powder – DO NOT TOUCH! None of these types of ammunitions should be considered safe regardless of size or packaging. Contact the police department immediately by calling 9-1-1.

 

 

St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers

St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers is run by the St. Louis Regional Crime Commission, a non-profit citizen’s organization supported by private contributions. The commission is dedicated to aid crime fighting efforts throughout the St. Louis  Metropolitan area, including communities in both Missouri and Illinois.

Learn More About the Crime Commission

The CrimeStoppers program is a partnership of the community, the media, and law enforcement designed to combat crime and keep our streets safe. The original chapter began in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in September 1976, and today there are 1,200+ programs worldwide.

To submit an anonymous tip call (866)371-8477, complete the P3 form online, or use the P3 app. To check on the status of your tip call (314)725-8477 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.