ST. LOUIS, MO  (September 30, 2026) — The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office (CAO) kicked off its Fall 2026 Citizens Academy Wednesday, welcoming a new class of participants for a six-week, behind-the-scenes look at the criminal justice system and the work of the Circuit Attorney’s Office.

The opening session introduced participants to the criminal justice system, the role of the prosecutor, and the different ways the CAO interacts and engages with the public and media. Participants also took part in an interactive “Anatomy of a Prosecution” activity that walked them through the stages of a criminal case and the decisions prosecutors make along the way.

Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore welcomed the class and provided an overview of the office and its role within the criminal justice system. First Assistant Circuit Attorney Steve Capizzi discussed the responsibilities of prosecutors and the considerations involved in evaluating and prosecuting criminal cases. Director of Community Engagement Leann Mosby and Public Information Officer Amber Raub discussed how the office works to engage with residents, neighborhoods, and the media and provide the public with information about the work of the CAO.

“The Citizens Academy gives people an opportunity to move beyond what they may read in a headline and better understand how the prosecution process actually works,” Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore said. “Over the next six weeks, participants will see the many people, decisions, and responsibilities involved in a criminal case and have the opportunity to ask questions directly of those doing this work every day.”

The Citizens Academy will meet each Wednesday through November 4. During the six-week program, participants will hear from Assistant Circuit Attorneys, victim advocates, and other members of the CAO, tour key locations, and engage with criminal justice partners.

The program is designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of how evidence is reviewed, charging decisions are made, cases move through the court system, and victims and witnesses are supported throughout the prosecution process. It also creates an opportunity for

direct dialogue between members of the community and the people who work within the criminal justice system.

The Fall 2026 class is the third Citizens Academy hosted by the Circuit Attorney’s Office. The Fall 2025 inaugural class graduated 19 participants, followed by 20 graduates from the Spring 2026 class.