5 State-of-the-Art Changes Transforming The City Of Ballwin Police Department In 2025
The City of Ballwin Police Department is undergoing a monumental transformation in 2025, marking one of the most significant upgrades to public safety infrastructure in the city’s recent history. This period of change, coinciding with the City of Ballwin’s 75th Anniversary celebration, is defined by the completion of a new, state-of-the-art police headquarters and a renewed focus on advanced community policing strategies.
As of late 2024 and throughout 2025, the department is solidifying its commitment to the Ballwin community with a modern facility designed for 21st-century law enforcement, led by a seasoned veteran who is deeply familiar with the unique needs of the area. These changes ensure that the dedicated personnel—including 48 Commissioned Officers and 11 Dispatchers—have the tools and environment necessary to provide exceptional police services and maintain Ballwin’s reputation as a safe, thriving community.
Meet the New Leader: Chief John Bergfeld Biography and Vision
The leadership of the Ballwin Police Department is firmly in the hands of Chief John Bergfeld, a figure with nearly three decades of dedicated service to the City of Ballwin.
- Full Name: John Bergfeld
- Current Role: Chief of Police, City of Ballwin Police Department
- Appointment Date: Officially announced as the new Chief after serving as Acting Chief since 2023.
- Years of Service: Nearly 30 years with the Ballwin Police Department, having joined the force in 1997.
- Experience: Rose through the ranks, gaining extensive experience in various facets of Ballwin MO law enforcement.
- Vision: His goals focus on strengthening community relationships, ensuring officers have modern training, and utilizing the new facility to enhance operational efficiency.
Chief Bergfeld's long tenure provides a crucial layer of institutional knowledge and stability, ensuring that the department’s mission remains rooted in integrity and a strong commitment to community service.
The New Police Headquarters: A 38,000 Sq. Ft. State-of-the-Art Facility
The most visible and impactful change is the construction of the new police headquarters located at 302 Kehrs Mill Road. This project represents a massive investment in public safety, replacing an outdated facility that no longer met the needs of the growing department.
Key Features of the New Facility
The new building is a three-level, 36,500 to 38,000 square foot structure designed to be a state-of-the-art hub for all police operations.
- Full-Service Police Outfit: The facility is designed for complete operational autonomy.
- Modern Inmate Processing and Housing: Includes up-to-date areas for the processing and short-term housing of inmates, meeting all current standards.
- Advanced Detective Headquarters: Features specialized areas for the Criminal Investigations Division, including both 'hard' and 'soft' interview spaces to accommodate different investigative needs.
- New Locker Facilities: The design includes new, modern locker rooms for the department's officers.
- Architectural Design: The structure balances organic and industrial elements, creating a professional yet welcoming presence in the community.
This massive upgrade not only improves the daily working conditions for officers, dispatchers, and police clerks but also enhances the department's capability to handle complex cases and manage evidence efficiently, a factor further supported by a recent Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new Police Evidence Tracking System.
Organizational Structure and Core Divisions
To effectively serve a city of Ballwin’s size and complexity, the department is structured into four core divisions, each playing a critical role in maintaining safety and order.
- Administration Division: Oversees all internal affairs, budgeting, planning, and records management, including the support staff like the Police Clerk.
- Field Operations Division: This is the backbone of the department, comprising the uniformed patrol officers—the first responders to all calls for service. They conduct preventive patrol and investigate suspicious activity across the city.
- Operational Support Division: Provides essential technical and logistical support, including managing the 11 Dispatchers who are critical to emergency response coordination.
- Criminal Investigations Division: Responsible for follow-up investigations on serious crimes, gathering evidence, preparing cases for prosecution, and utilizing the new, specialized detective headquarters in the new facility.
This clear division of labor ensures that every aspect of law enforcement, from emergency response to long-term criminal investigation, is handled by specialized and highly trained personnel.
Advanced Training and Community Policing Initiatives
The Ballwin Police Department places a high value on continuous training and proactive community engagement, recognizing that a strong partnership with residents is key to effective law enforcement.
Focus on De-escalation and Tactics
A major focus of recent training has been on modern, integrated tactics. The department utilizes the ICAT (Integrated Communications, Assessment, and Tactics) training program.
ICAT is a highly specialized program designed to equip police officers with tools for defusing critical incidents. This training emphasizes de-escalation techniques and use of force decision-making, ensuring that officers prioritize communication and tactical separation to resolve situations safely for both the public and themselves.
Proactive Community Outreach Programs
Community policing is at the heart of the department's mission, with several initiatives designed to foster collaboration and transparency with Ballwin residents.
- Ride-Along Program: This initiative allows citizens to experience a day in the life of a Ballwin police officer, promoting a better understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of the job.
- National Night Out: The department actively participates in and encourages the planning of National Night Out events, strengthening neighborhood bonds and police-community relations.
- School Visits and Safety Programs: Officers regularly engage with local schools to conduct visits, run safety programs, and build positive relationships with the city's youth.
- E-Newsletter and TextCaster: Utilizing modern communication tools, the department keeps the public informed with the latest news, announcements, and emergency alerts.
These programs not only help reduce crime but also build the trust necessary for effective community policing, a cornerstone of the department's service model.
Future Outlook and Local Impact in 2025
With the new state-of-the-art headquarters nearing completion and Chief Bergfeld's experienced leadership, the City of Ballwin Police Department is positioned for a new era of excellence. The department's commitment to advanced training, such as ICAT, and its continued investment in technology like the new evidence tracking system, reflect a modern, forward-thinking approach to public safety.
The new facility and enhanced operational capabilities will provide a robust foundation for the next few decades of law enforcement in the Ballwin, Missouri area. As the city celebrates its 75th anniversary, the police department stands ready to meet the challenges of the future, ensuring that residents continue to receive the highest level of protection and service from their dedicated police force.
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