Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore said increasing public understanding of his office could help strengthen its relationship with St. Louis residents.
The Circuit Attorney’s Office is accepting applications for the spring session of its Citizens Academy through March 9. The program follows last year’s inaugural class.
The six-week educational initiative offers participants an overview of how cases move through St. Louis courts and how the office functions.
“The success of our first Citizens Academy shows the value of opening our doors and inviting the community in,” Gore said .
“The Academy allows residents to see firsthand how our office operates, how decisions are made, and the standards we uphold, while giving us invaluable insight by hearing directly from the people we serve. We look forward to continuing to build these connections and strengthen trust.”
Classes will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays at the Circuit Attorney’s Office from April 9 through May 14. The program includes seminars, site visits and discussions with prosecutors and staff. Participants will learn about the progression of criminal cases, from investigation through trial and sentencing.
The Citizens Academy is free and open to community leaders, students, early-career professionals and residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Gore said the program is designed to promote transparency and dialogue between the office and the community.
“Its mission to promote transparency, foster dialogue, and strengthen public trust. Community engagement is essential to our efforts to achieve a higher level of public safety for the St. Louis community,” said Gore.