ST. LOUIS, MO  (May 14, 2026) — The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office (CAO) celebrated the graduation of 20 St. Louis-area residents Thursday evening as it concluded its six-week Spring Citizens Academy, the second Citizens Academy held under Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore and the first spring class in the program’s history.

Over the course of six weeks, participants received an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how the criminal justice system operates in the City of St. Louis and the role prosecutors play in pursuing justice, supporting victims, and protecting public safety. Through interactive presentations, discussions, and hands-on experiences, participants explored how cases move through the system.

Participants also heard directly from prosecutors, victim advocates, and community engagement staff, while learning about the specialized units within the CAO and the partnerships that support public safety across the city. The academy included site visits and interactive exercises designed to give residents a firsthand understanding of the challenges, responsibilities, and decision-making involved in prosecution.

"Public safety is strongest when the community understands and trusts the institutions serving them,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. “Through the Citizens Academy, we are opening our doors, sharing our work, and creating meaningful connections with the people of St. Louis. These graduates now have a deeper understanding of how justice is pursued in our city."

The program concluded Thursday evening with a mock trial led by CAO attorneys, where participants put what they learned over the six-week academy to the test by serving as jurors, evaluating evidence, hearing testimony, and applying the legal standards discussed throughout the program before delivering a verdict.

Participants described the Citizens Academy as eye-opening, informative, and an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the work being done every day inside the St. Louis criminal justice system.

“It was great. I have nothing but positive things. I wish everyone could experience it,” said a Citizens Academy participant. “Your perspective will grow tremendously as far as what goes on with the court proceedings, the investigations, just everything. It's fabulous.”

“It's been very rewarding. I've had an opportunity to see more closely the processes that go into establishing a case, building the case, the different factors that are being considered by all the different components from SLMPD, the warrant office, through victim services, as well as what the attorneys are having to factor in as they are preparing their cases,” said a Citizens Academy participant.

Information on future Citizens Academy sessions will be announced at a later date.