The St. Louis Police Department and the World’s Fair

About this event

- The 1904 World’s Fair presented a unique challenge for St. Louis law enforcement. Millions of visitors and many high-profile world leaders would attend the exposition, and the challenge for law enforcement was clear. The challenge was met by dividing the department in half during the Fair, and working with supplemental police and security (the Jefferson Guard). Several high-profile events occurred during the Fair had a long-term impact on the department. - Noted St. Louis author Ken Zimmerman Jr. has authored over 20 books about St. Louis history and true crime. He wrote a 2024 book specifically about the police department’s Chief of Detectives William Desmond. His program will describe how St. Louis met the challenge of providing security and controlling crime at the Fair. He works for Washington University graduate medical education, and holds rank in three martial arts.