South Patrol Division

Greetings,

My name is Captain Joe Lankford, and I am honored to serve as the Commander of District One. My journey began in this very district more than 20 years ago, shortly after moving to St. Louis in 2001. Over the years, I have had the privilege of experiencing a diverse and fulfilling career within the department. My assignments have ranged from serving as a District One officer and working with SWAT/Mobile Reserve to spending five successful years as a Homicide Detective. I have held positions as a Sergeant in Districts Two and Three, and as a Detective Sergeant in the District One Detective Bureau.

Upon being promoted to Lieutenant, I returned to District Two, where I remained until my promotion to Captain brought me back to District One—my professional home. I am deeply passionate about this district, which I came to love through my work and the vibrant, diverse community I have come to know.

I am proud to be a first-generation police officer in my family. Originally from Jefferson City, MO, and a Helias High School graduate (I know everyone will ask), I eventually made my home in St. Louis, where my father’s side of the family hails from. My grandparents grew up in Dutchtown and were married at St. Anthony’s of Padua, the same church where I married my wife 25 years ago. I am a devoted father of five children (four boys and a girl). In my personal time, I enjoy playing golf, hunting, and tending to my flower garden.

This year, I had the distinct honor of attending and graduating from the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA (class 290), where I underwent 10 weeks of rigorous police leadership and physical training. I am also currently pursuing a Master of Public Safety through the University of Virginia.

It is an understatement to say that I am excited to return to District One as its Commander. I have built many bonds and friendships during my time here, and I am committed to working diligently for the benefit of everyone who lives and works in this district. I envision a future where our community and department collaborate to address the challenges we face. By uniting the Five Pillars of our community—residents, schools, clergy, businesses, and public services—we can build a stronger and safer community together. I pledge to serve with integrity, leadership, fairness, and respect for the law and the rich diversity of our community. I am grateful to Commissioner Tracy for promoting me to Captain and for trusting me with this responsibility.

Sincerely,
Captain Joseph Lankford
Commander, District One

Greetings,

My name is Captain Tom Zipf, Jr, the Commander of District Two, an area which is comprised of numerous vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, thriving businesses, and all the exciting attractions inside Forest Park, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and elsewhere. I’ve had the privilege of serving as a police officer for the past 25 years working in a number of various roles, holding positions in all three area stations and Headquarters. I was both an Anti-Crime and District Five Detective as well as a Detective Sergeant in the Sex Crimes/Family Violence Section. I was born and raised in the Second District and am the third generation in my family to serve on the Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department, following my grandfather, father, and uncle into this noble calling. I have many family members and friends who live and work in the Second District, and I have deep ties to the community. When I’m not at work, you can usually find me with my wife and two sons at one of their baseball, football, or soccer games or practices.

I hold a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in English, both from the University of Saint Louis-Missouri. I’m also a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command (Class 484) in Evanston, Illinois. Education and training have always been of paramount importance to me, and I consider learning to be a lifelong endeavor.

I am committed to doing my very best to ensure the Second District continues to be a great place to live, work, visit, and raise our families. I believe strongly in working collaboratively with all community stakeholders in order to more effectively accomplish our objectives and I look forward to meeting everyone.

Sincerely,
Captain Tom Zipf, Jr.
Commander, District Two