Director's Office

Welcome to the home page for the Director's Office of the Department of Public Safety.

The mission of the Director's Office is to oversee and coordinate the efforts of Department of Public Safety to safeguard the City's state of well-being, protect lives and property, and ensure the complete safety of the 319,294 people who live in the City, and the one million people who work, traverse and visit the City of St. Louis daily.

Public Safety Director Charlene Deeken was appointed by Mayor Francis G. Slay in January of 2013. She has served as Deputy Public Safety Director since 2007. Deeken began her career with the City in 1976. She has served in the Department of Personnel, Public Safety, and the Mayor's Office during the Schoemehl Administration. During her tenure with the City, she also worked in the City's Health and Parks departments before re-joining the Department of Public Safety in 1999 as an Executive Assistant.

Featured Activities in March

March 1 & 2 -- Downtown St. Louis Idiotarod, Old Post Office Plaza, 11 a.m.

March 1 (every first Friday of the month) - First Friday in Grand Center, various locations, 5 p.m.

March 1 - 31 -- Women's History Month 2013 Exhibit, Gateway Arch, 9 a.m.

March 3 - 9 -- National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, various events

March 7 - 10 -- Missouri Valley NCAA Tournament, Scottrade Center, times vary

March 9 -- 200th Anniversary of Forming of St. Louis Company of Volunteer Artillerists, Gateway Arch, 10 a.m.

March 16 -- St. Patrick's Day Parade Run, Downtown, 9 a.m.

March 16 -- St. Patrick's Day Parade, Downtown, Noon

March 17 -- St. Patrick's Day Parade, Dogtown, 12:30 p.m.

March 22 - 24 -- 2013 Wizard world St. Louis Comic Con, America's Center, 3 p.m.

March 23 -- Bacon Fest St. Louis, Kiener Plaza, 11 a.m.

March 23 -- Trash Bash, Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, 8:30 a.m.

March 28 -- Emergency Preparedness Academy 2013, Edward Jones North Campus, 8 a.m.

Now through March 31 -- Orchid Show, Missouri Botanical Garden, 9 a.m.

Director's Spotlight on Neighborhood Activities

March 29, 2013

Tips to Prevent Poisoning

According to the USA.gov Team, every day, 87 people in the U.S. die as a result of unintentional poisoning, and more than 2,200 are treated in emergency rooms. Most of these poisonings occur in people's homes. Below are some helpful tips to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones:

Never take larger or more frequent doses of your medications to try to get faster or more powerful effects.
Turn on a light when you give or take medicines at night so that you know you have the right medicine and the correct amount.
Keep medicines and chemicals in their original bottles or containers.
To keep young children safe, store all medicines and household products up and out of sight and reach.
Secure the child safety cap every time you use a medicine.
Do not refer to medicine as "candy."

If a poison victim has collapsed or isn't breathing, call 9-1-1. If the victim is awake and alert, call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Read more.

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Tip of the Hat
National Police Week, house tours, festivals, service projects, Annie Malone Parade and more!
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 05/16/13

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Open Sustainability Competition
Lots of fun, exciting events on tap in St. Louis neighborhoods. Enjoy!
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 05/09/13

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Fraudulent Online Accounts
Wide variety of fun events on the calendar. Enjoy all that St. Louis City neighborhoods have to offer.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 05/02/13

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Charity Scams
Lots of fun activities in St. Louis City this weekend. Enjoy!
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 04/25/13

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Boston Marathon Unity Run
Take advantage of all that St. Louis has to offer!
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 04/19/13

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Distracted Driving Shatters Lives
Lots of fun activities in St. Louis City neighborhoods on the calendar. Stop by a few.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 04/11/13

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Blitz 2013
Brightside's annual campaign to clean up city neighborhoods begins this weekend.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 04/04/13

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Prevent Poisoning
No plans for this weekend? Lots of fun activities scheduled in St. Louis City neighborhoods
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 03/29/13

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives
Celebrate pop culture, Baconfest, Easter egg hunts, a unique garage sale and more in St. Louis City
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 03/21/13

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Lifesaving Message
This is the weekend to change your clocks, change the batteries in your smoke / carbon monoxide detectors.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 03/07/13

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Project Blitz 2013
A variety of fun, educational activities on tap in St. Louis City neighborhoods.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 02/28/13

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Severe Weather Preparedness
Take care during the inclement weather, then enjoy some of the fun activities on tap in St. Louis.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 02/21/13

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler
Boatshow, Mardi Gras fun and more this weekend in St. Louis
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 02/07/13

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Emergency Preparedness Academy 2013
A variety of events are on the calendar: Black History Month, Mardi Gras and more!
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 01/31/13

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Winter Fires
Wide variety of activities taking place this weekend in City neighborhoods. Enjoy!
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 01/18/13

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Food Safety
Enjoy the holiday activities in St. Louis City neighborhoods.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 12/21/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Winter Fire Safety
Enjoy all the activities that City neighborhoods offer.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 12/14/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Holiday Decoration Safety Tips
Plenty of fun activities in historic St. Louis City neighborhoods this weekend. Enjoy!
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 11/30/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Winter Weather Awareness 2012
Looking for fun events in the City of St. Louis. Here's info on upcoming activities.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 11/15/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Passage of Prop A
Plenty of fun, informative events slated for St. Louis neighborhoods. Take advantage of all the opportunities available.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 11/09/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Neighborhood Forums
A variety of activities on tap in the coming days in St. Louis City neighborhoods. Take advantage of the opportunities.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 11/01/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - 2012 Halloween Safety Tips
Plenty of fun activities coming up in St. Louis City neighborhoods.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 10/25/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Red Ribbon Week
Plenty of fun events planned in St. Louis' neighborhoods. Invite your family and friends to join you.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 10/18/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - No Texting While Driving
Many fun events on the calendar this weekend in our City neighborhoods. Enjoy!
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 09/20/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - West Nile Virus
A slew of fun activities in St. Louis City neighborhoods this weekend. Make plans now to stop by a few.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 09/13/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Are You Prepared?
Lots of fun, exciting activities this weekend in the City. Take advantage of all that St. Louis has to offer.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 09/07/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Emergency Preparedness Month
Plenty of fun events in #STL neighborhoods this weekend, but review tips on dealing with possible heavy rains from former Hurricane Isaac
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 08/31/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Crimestoppers
Plenty of fun events in #STL City neighborhoods this weekend. Enjoy!
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 08/24/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - School Safety Tips
Plenty of fun activities coming up on the calendar. Take advantage of all that our great City neighborhoods have to offer.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 08/16/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Spectacular Activities
Lots of fun activities slated in St. Louis neighborhoods; take advantage of all our great city has to offer.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 08/09/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Upcoming Events
St. Louis has lost a true public servant who worked tirelessly for neighbors. Lots of activities coming up for neighbors to connect with each other.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 08/03/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Back-to-School Prep
Lots of fun events on the schedule in City neighborhoods. Take advantage of all the great opportunities on tap.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 07/26/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Pool Safety
Enjoy the upcoming fun activities in City neighborhoods
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 07/19/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - National Night Out 2012
Take advantage of all that our great City neighborhoods have to offer.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 07/12/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - It's Our Region
Lots of fun outdoor and indoor activities coming up on the schedule in great St. Louis neighborhoods.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 07/05/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - When Temperatures Soar
Enjoy the many upcoming activities in the City's great neighborhoods but know the signs of heat illness.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 06/28/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight Postscript
Catch a cabaret style musical this weekend.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 06/22/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Picnics, Concerts and More!
Lots of fun activities in City neighborhoods. Enjoy!
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 06/07/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight Postscript
Additional item for this week's Spotlight on Neighborhood Activities
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 05/31/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Make A Hot Weather Plan
Lots of outdoor activities on the schedule in St. Louis neighborhoods. Enjoy!
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 05/31/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Saluting Our Heroes
Plenty of fun and exciting events in City neighborhoods this Memorial Day Holiday weekend. Enjoy!
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 05/24/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - National Police Week
Be sure to enjoy some of the many fun activities that will be taking place this weekend in our historic City neighborhoods.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 05/17/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Small Business Week
A number of fun, exciting events in City neighborhoods this weekend. Take advantage of all that our great city has to offer.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 05/10/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Sustainability Summit II
Plenty of neighborhood activities this weekend to have fun, help worthy causes and make a difference. Enjoy!
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 05/03/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Crime Victims' Rights Week
Lots of activities in St. Louis neighborhoods this weekend, opportunities to support worthy causes and make a difference.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 04/19/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Celebrate St. Louis Sports Teams
Something for everyone this weekend in St. Louis. Take advantage of all the opportunities to have fun and meet neighbors.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 04/12/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Weekend of Fun Events
Good Friday Fish Fry, Easter Egg Hunts, Star Party, Vintage Auto Show and more! Enjoy all that City neighborhoods have to offer this weekend.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 04/05/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Neighborhood Events
Enjoy a neighborhood Fish Fry, bike ride, craft fair, Easter Egg Hunt, art exhibit and more this weekend in St. Louis!
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 03/29/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Healthy Corner Stores
Plenty of events this weekend in St. Louis City neighborhoods: basketball, bunco, fabulous food and more! Enjoy!
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 03/22/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Ready STL Campaign
Sign up for emergency alert messages; plenty of St. Patrick's Day events to enjoy this weekend and more!
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 03/15/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - "Arch Madness" Time
Catch the basketball tournament action at Scottrade Center, stop by a Friday night Unfish Fry and more!
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 03/01/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Celebrate Black History Month
Celebrate Black History Month, test your knowledge, support good causes and more this weekend in the Gateway to the West.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 02/23/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!
Let the good times roll this last weekend of Mardi Gras Season in St. Louis!
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 02/16/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Fun Events This Weekend
Boat & Spotshow, Trivia Nights, Black History Month events, Health & Fitness Expo, Valentine's festivities and Mardi Gras Season favorites.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 02/09/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Mardi Gras Fun & More
Mardi Gras seasonal events, gatherings to strengthen and improve neighborhoods, emergency preparedness drill and more!
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 02/02/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Enjoy Neighborhood Activities
Opportunities to use your green thumb, test your knowledge, sample food from St. Louis restaurants and more!
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 01/19/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Enjoy a Variety of Activities
Test your knowledge, watch eagles soar, honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., stop by an Ice Carnival and much more this weekend in St. Louis.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 01/12/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Be Prepared in the New Year
New Year is off to a great start with fun activities and opportunities to increase your personal emergency preparedness.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 01/06/12

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Happy New Year!
Many terrific events and opportunities to ring in 2012.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 12/28/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Happy Holidays!
Plenty of City activities to take in with your loved ones during the holidays.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 12/22/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Concerts, Skating, Shopping
Stop by fun holiday events in the City and explore the neighborhood.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 12/08/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Holiday Fun
Take advantage of all the fun holiday activities our neighborhoods have to offer.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 12/02/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Happy Thanksgiving
Enjoy Thanksgiving Day with your family, then stop by activities in the City's many neighborhoods.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 11/23/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Winterization Tips
Low-cost and no-cost tips for keeping your home warm; fun events in historic City neighborhoods.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 11/17/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Shop the City
Opportunities to stop by events in City neighborhoods and support the many restaurants, attractions, shops and amenities in St. Louis.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 11/10/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Honoring Our Veterans
A lot of great events in St. Louis this weekend. Stop by several and enjoy all that our neighborhoods have to offer.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 11/03/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Halloween Safety Tips
Lots of neighborhood events this weekend; have fun exploring the City.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 10/28/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - World Series in St. Louis
National spotlight is on St. Louis as the Cardinals take on the Texas Rangers in the 2011 World Series.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 10/20/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Visit a Neighborhood Event
Perfect weekend to explore City neighborhoods that might be new to you and stop by fun events.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 10/14/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Fire Prevention Week
A number of great events to stop by in historic City neighborhoods.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 10/06/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Grand Opening for a Grand Lady
Peabody Opera House opening night is Oct. 1; explore Fairs and Festivals in historic City neighborhoods.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 09/29/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Community Education
Opportunities for entertainment, service to others, remembering victims of violence, self-improvement & more.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 09/23/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Celebrating Constitution Day
Take advantage of all the great events St. Louis has to offer in its many historic neighborhoods.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 09/16/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Commemorating September 11 Attacks
Let us all take a moment this weekend to reflect on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, a milestone for our country.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 09/09/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Neighborhood Activities
Mark your calendar to stop by the many neighborhood activities that will be taking place in the next few days and weeks.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 08/25/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Celebrate St. Louis
Mark your calendar to stop by the many exciting events coming up in St. Louis.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 08/19/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - National Night Out
Celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 2; many neighborhood events on the calendar.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 07/29/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Take Extra Care in Hot Weather
Lots of fun outdoor activities to stop by, but know the signs of heat illness.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 07/22/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Water Safety Tips
Have fun in the water this summer, but play it safe; lots of neighborhood activities on the calendar in July
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 07/07/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Happy 4th of July!
Have a safe holiday weekend; enjoy the professionally done public fireworks displays to celebrate the 4th of July.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 06/30/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Marine Week St. Louis
Welcome, Marines! Many fun activities on the calendar in the next few weeks.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 06/17/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - National Safety Month
Safety is no accident, take steps to be prepared; plan to attend some of the many fun events scheduled in City neighborhoods.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 06/02/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Memorial Day Holiday Weekend Fun
Festivals, Solemn Observances, Concerts and more in store for the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 05/26/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Celebrating Armed Forces Day
Many fun and exciting events planned for this weekend and later this month.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 05/20/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Honoring Police and Emergency Medical Personnel
"National Police Week," "EMS Week," and lots of fun, family events this weekend and next weekend.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 05/12/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Honoring Corrections Professionals
Correctional Officers & Employees Week; Small Business Week of Eastern MO; Women's Health Week; and plenty of fun, family activities.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 05/05/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Being Prepared
Learn to protect yourself in emergency situations; plenty of fun and exciting events this weekend.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 04/28/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Family Garden
Is a family garden on your to-do list? Here are tips, plus a few fun events and opportunities to support local organizations.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 04/21/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - St. Louis Serves Day
Opportunities abound to give back to the community; tour homes in five neighborhoods; and learn how you can 'be the change.'
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 04/14/11

Annual Benton Park West Dog Park Spring Fling
Celebrate our furry friends
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 04/08/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Thank You!
Voters give city officials five years to improve on delivery of services; number of fun events on tap for this weekend.
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 04/08/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight: Poison Prevention Awareness
Poison prevention, fire hydrant safety, fun activities, and neighborhood improvement opportunities
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 03/24/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Severe Weather
Be prepared for weather emergencies; have fun at neighborhood Fish Fries and St. Patrick's Day activities
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 03/09/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Feb. 24, 2011
St. Louis' Mardi Gras fun; Leisure time activities
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 02/24/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Feb. 16, 2011
Emergency Preparedness campaign to be rolled out; Fun activities this weekend
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 02/16/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Feb. 2, 2011
Weathering the Latest Winter Storm, Neighborhood Events
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 02/02/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Jan. 27, 2011
Black History Month, St. Louis Auto Show and Other Weekend Events
Press release | Department of Public Safety | 01/27/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Jan. 5, 2011
Storm recovery, St. Louis goes smoke-free, recognizing neighborhood leaders
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 01/05/11

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Dec. 28
New Year's resolutions, St. Louis City is going smoke-free, and annual Fun Without Guns New Year's Eve campaign
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 12/28/10

Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Dec. 23
Winter Getaway, Kwanzaa and New Year's Eve Events
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 12/23/10

Public Safety Director's Spotlight on Neighborhood Activities Dec. 10
Prepare for Winter Weather, Shop Small Local Businesses, Experience Early Christmas Holiday Traditions and More
News/Announcement | Department of Public Safety | 12/10/10

Public Safety Director's Spotlight on Neighborhood Activities Dec. 03
Holiday Decoration Safety Tips and Weekend Neighborhood Events
Press release | Department of Public Safety | 12/03/10