WEBSTER GROVES, Mo. — The Webster Groves Police Department is undergoing a change of leadership. This week, city officials confirmed a new police chief was chosen: Vince Acevez.
The search for a new chief started six months ago in December 2023. That's when former Chief Dale Curtis announced his retirement after serving 26 years with the department.
Twenty-one people applied to be the new police chief in Webster Groves. The final four candidates had to present their policing protocols and goals to the community on April 23.
Eight days later, city officials announced Chief Vince Acevez will join the department among the new changes. He will serve his first day on June 24 with a starting salary of $148,000. Acevez's education includes a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice and a Master of Science in public safety administration from Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois.
City Manager Dr. Marie Peoples detailed the cost of process.
"The candidate search is estimated to be $25,000, which includes the recruitment contract for Strategic Government Resources and advertising of the position," Dr. Peoples said.
She also detailed the level of community involvement and support.
"Overwhelmingly the community has been a fantastic partner in this process," Peoples said. "Many community members have taken the opportunity to share the characteristics and attributes they believe are important for the next police chief. Public comments have certainly centered the need for effective proactive communication and increased public engagement by the next chief and department, along with an emphasis on procedural justice, community policing and our force being out and active in the community each day."
The new police chief's hiring comes on the heels of the department's drone safety program, which 5 On Your Side was the first to report. The department said it's aimed at improving officer safety and enhancing search and rescue efforts.
Since the new drone program was announced last month, 5 On Your Side's Diamond Palmer has been in communication with the police captain overseeing the program almost weekly.
This week, the city's Cpt. Stephen Spear has 15 years of drone experience, and he detailed several updates to the timeline of the drone program.
Spear said officers with the department are in the last stages of completing their training and are studying intensely for their test to get their FAA drone certification.
Two officers are already registered for the test, the goal is to eventually have six officer drone pilots, with Lt. Erich Weimer leading the officers.
Less than one week ago the department held a public safety day where residents could see the drones up close and ask questions.
Gregory Perks has served as the acting police chief of Webster Groves Police Department explained how they'll be used.
"It can be used for security when it's up in the air, it can be used for site safety. If there's a building that caught on fire, we can put it up to check for roof structure stuff before we put an actual firefighter up there to make sure that the roof hasn't collapsed. For the police department we can use it for searching for a suspect," Perks said.
Here's a look at Chief Acevez's career:
- He spent 20+ years in law enforcement with the Cicero, IL police department.
- He began his career as a police officer and rose to the role of deputy chief.
- Currently, Chief Acevez serves as the deputy director of the Cook County Emergency Management and Regional Security Division.
- He served as an Investigator for the Illinois Department of Transportation.
- He was chief of police for Morton College in Illinois.
Acevez said he will work hard to earn the trust of the department and looks forward to building critical relationships with the community.
In a statement, Acevez detailed more:
“My family and I are excited to join the Webster Groves community, and I am humbled to have been selected for this critical position. My wife and daughters are eager to explore everything Webster Groves offers,” Chief Acevez offered. “I look forward to meeting all the members of the Webster Groves Police Department and working hard to earn their trust. I am also excited about getting to know the community, building relationships, and continuing the great work the Police Department has established.”
City Manager Peoples helped lead the search and had this to say in a statement:
“Chief Acevez brings a long record of leadership in policing and a commitment to the officers under his command and dedication to community policing and engagement to Webster Groves,” City Manager, Dr. Marie Peoples commented. “I look forward to Chief Acevez joining us to lead our Police Department in the years ahead and engage with our community. The City was fortunate to have many outstanding finalists for the role, and our community voices in the process helped to identify the next Police Chief. I am also very thankful to Acting Chief of Police, Greg Perks, for his leadership of the Police Department during the transition period.”
The mayor of Webster Groves detailed her enthusiasm in this statement:
“The City Council was impressed with Chief Acevez’s policing approach and community commitment and support his appointment as Police Chief,” Mayor Laura Arnold added. “The Council interviewed each of the very capable finalists and Chief Acevez demonstrated that he meets the needs of the community and police employees. I am thankful for the community participation in this selection and Dr. People’s inclusion of the Council in the interview process. I am also grateful for Acting Chief Perks’ leadership during this transition.”
To watch 5 On Your Side broadcasts or reports 24/7, 5 On Your Side is always streaming on 5+. Download for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV or the Apple TV App Store.