Mehlville Optimists Recognize South County Police Officer

The Mehlville Optimists recognized Officer Jim Patterson of the South County Precinct at their monthly meeting in celebration of Respect for Law Week.

Patterson and three other members of the precinct joined the Optimists for breakfast at Gingham’s early Wednesday morning. Patterson received a plaque from the club, who thanked him for his duty.

“If it wasn’t for our police department—they make it a better world,” said organizer Rich Behnke.

Patterson was selected by Capt. Marion Monteleone of the Fourth Precinct for his hard work in solving specific crimes.

“This was really an easy choice. We were lucky to get him in the Fourth Precinct,” he said.

Patterson routinely reviews reports that come into the precinct, leading to solved cases, Monteleone said. One review of an arson case led to a confession when seven cars had been set on fire, causing an estimated $450,000 worth of damage to the carport and surrounding condos.

“He found a report where a boyfriend had set a convertible top on fire and made a connection,” Monteleone said. “The detective bureau had run its course, but Officer Patterson brought him in for questioning and he confessed to the entire thing.”

“That’s just the kind of work Jim’s been doing—he’s well deserving of this,” he said.

Patterson has been a police officer since 1993 after receiving a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Webster University. He worked for the St. Louis City Police Department for 14 years before joining County Police in 2009.

Patterson also trained members of the U.S. Army in Iraq on police techniques and tactics, identifying terrorists who threatened the coalition forces.

“I truly enjoy helping people,” he said. “For me, when I do help someone out, the reward and satisfaction is just gratifying.”

Patterson’s favorite part of his police work is building cases against criminals and obtaining evidence.

“I used to like the adrenaline and action and now I enjoy the investigation portion of police work,” he said. “It’s about building a case, interviewing people and putting together evidence and getting a good conviction."