ST. LOUIS, MO  (November 4, 2026) — The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office (CAO) celebrated the graduation of its Fall 2026 Citizens Academy class Wednesday, marking the completion of a six-week program designed to give residents a behind-the-scenes look at the criminal justice system and the work of the Circuit Attorney’s Office. This class marks the third Citizens Academy hosted by the Circuit Attorney’s Office.

Throughout the program, participants learned about the prosecution process, the responsibilities of Assistant Circuit Attorneys, and the work of the office’s various units. The academy featured presentations, interactive exercises, tours, and discussions with prosecutors, victim advocates, law enforcement partners, and other CAO staff.

Participants explored topics including charging decisions, misdemeanor and felony prosecutions, special victims cases, violent crime and homicide investigations, diversion programs, victim services, and conviction integrity. The class also visited St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department headquarters, toured the Real Time Crime Center, and participated in a police training simulator.

The academy concluded Wednesday with an interactive mock trial, giving participants an opportunity to serve as jurors, evaluate evidence, deliberate, and reach a verdict. A graduation ceremony followed, with Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore congratulating participants on completing the program.

“Over the past six weeks, these participants have gained a firsthand understanding of the work that goes into prosecuting criminal cases and the responsibilities that come with those decisions,” Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore said. “Our hope is that they leave with a better understanding of the criminal justice system and share what they have learned with others in our community.”

The CAO launched its inaugural Citizens Academy in Fall 2025 and hosted a second session in Spring 2026. The program is part of the office’s ongoing efforts to increase public understanding of the criminal justice system and create opportunities for meaningful dialogue between residents and prosecutors.