Missouri Senate Advances State Takeover of St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
In a significant development, the Missouri Senate has cleared a major hurdle for the planned state takeover of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. After adopting an edited version of previously passed House legislation, the proposal now moves to the House for further consideration.
The revised legislation no longer includes fraternal organizations in the selection process for the police board, addressing objections raised by state Sen. Karla May, D-St. Louis. The proposal now calls for a six-member board, with the mayor holding one seat and the governor appointing the remaining five members, subject to Senate approval.
The legislation also requires the city to allocate 25% of general revenue to the police department by 2028, gradually increasing from 23% next year. The move comes amidst a mayoral runoff election in St. Louis between Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and Alderwoman Cara Spencer, with Jones facing criticism from the St. Louis Police Officers Association and supporting the takeover bill.
The state takeover is part of a wide-ranging crime package, which includes measures to increase oversight and accountability, provide restitution to wrongfully convicted individuals, and address issues like child sex trafficking and missing/murdered African American women. The legislation now moves to the House for further review and approval.
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