Ballwin-Winchester policing agreement to start this fall

The agreement for the Ballwin Police Department to provide services to the city of Winchester is scheduled to begin three months earlier than anticipated.

An Oct. 1 starting date for the agreement was recommended in a memorandum from Ballwin Police Chief Kevin Scott at the July 17 meeting of the city’s Board of Aldermen. The board last month approved an agreement effective Jan. 1, 2020.

Scott said he has learned Winchester officials want to end their current policing services contract with the St. Louis County Police earlier than planned and that the county had not objected to the change. 

The earlier effective date will not place any undue burden on Ballwin police operations, Scott said, adding Winchester officials have told him county police will work closely with Ballwin to ensure a smooth transition.

oard consensus about the change was favorable and City Attorney Bob Jones was asked to prepare an amendment reflecting the earlier date for approval at a later meeting.