IN 1964.... A group of St. Louis area police officials traveled to Kansas City, Missouri to meet with Chief Clarence M. Kelly (later to become the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation). Among the group was Chief James P. Damos of the University City Police Department.
Chief Kelly had developed a concept of the "Metro Squad" for the Kansas City Metropolitan area. The idea was simple, pool the qualified manpower, equipment and resources of all the departments, thus forming one unit. This would bring together the best investigative talent from all jurisdictions, under one command, to respond to a call from a participating agency. Kelly's plan drew on the collective strengths of all jurisdictions and allowed them to maintain their autonomy. His idea had proven successful; several heinous crimes had been investigated and solved by the Squad in the Kansas City area.
Chief Kelly had developed a concept of the "Metro Squad" for the Kansas City Metropolitan area. The idea was simple, pool the qulaified manpower, equipment and resources of all the departments, thus forming one unit.This would bring together the best investigative talent from all jurisdictions, under one command, to respond to a call from a participating agency. Kelly's plan drew on the collective strengths of all jurisdictions and allowed them to maintain their autonomy. His idea had proven successful; several heinous crimes had been investigated and solved by the Squad in the Kansas City area.
Impressed with the success of the Kansas City Metro Squad, the St. Louis group returned, determined to form a similar unit in the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan area.
Training concluded on March 6 with a graduation ceremony presided over by Chief Damos and the Board of Directors.
By May 1,1965, the Board of Directors announced that the Major Case Squad was operational and ready for duty.
