The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department will soon be under state control after the Missouri House voted 113-39 to pass a Senate-amended House bill. The legislation, which includes an emergency clause, will go into effect as soon as Gov. Mike Kehoe signs it. Once signed, Kehoe will have 90 days to establish a six-person board to oversee the department. The bill has received support from both Republicans and some Democrats, while facing opposition from others, including St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones and Police Chief Robert Tracy.
The city’s two police unions, the St. Louis Police Officers Association and the Ethical Society of Police, have supported state control, citing negative changes since losing local control in 2013. The legislation also includes provisions related to public safety and corrections, such as addressing wrongful convictions and providing restitution to those wrongfully convicted.
Opponents of the bill, including Mayor Jones and St. Louis Board of Aldermen President Megan Green, have criticized the move, arguing that it will halt progress and disrespect the will of voters. Jones expressed disappointment in the bill, calling it disrespectful, pathetic, and cowardly.
Despite opposition, the bill passed both chambers of the Missouri legislature, signaling a shift in control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. The board overseeing the department will include the mayor, four resident commissioners, and a nonvoting member, all confirmed by the Senate. The move to state control comes after voters approved local control in 2012, marking the first time in over 150 years that the mayor’s office had authority over the police department.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
