Missouri Politics
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has signed a bill granting the state local control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD).
The passing of this bill has been condemned with strong criticism because St Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones and SLMPD Chief Robert Tracy recently released a report stating that overall crime was trending down in St Louis and politics has no place in policing.
Mayor Jones issued a statement saying:
“From the very beginning, this bill has been a sham, and the Governor’s signature represents nothing but disrespect for every Missouri voter who supported local control. The residents of the City of St. Louis are safer today because my administration has made difficult and bold decisions that have resulted in a historic reduction in crime. State takeover is not based in reality, and only shows that Governor Kehoe and the legislature are willing to throw out facts, reason, and the will of the people in order to give the safety of our city away to special interests.”
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert Tracy stated:
“We will work with Governor Mike Kehoe’s Office and the Transition Director while maintaining the highest standards of excellence in policing and delivering quality service to our community.”
By Charles Abdul-Wali Muhammad