Commentary

Editor’s Notebook — Local Control Of Police

By Lana Stein

March 1994

Historical March 1994 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.

As we are consumed by news about crime and consider suggestions to expand policing, build more cells, or address human service needs, we should also turn our attention to a significant anomaly in our midst.

In St. Louis, we have a police department which is not controlled by local government.

It has been this way since 1861. No where except in Missouri can you find a local government without control over its most vital service, police protection. Local elected officials feel the heat if crime rises. Neighbors report difficult areas In a Chicago or a Denver or an Atlanta, the mayor or council members can give input to the police about strategies and problem spots.

The police, always professionalize(‘ and autonomous, will pay certain heed because the chief is appointed by the mayor.

In St. Louis, the mayor must answer to the voters on crime but the police can ignore him and the aldermen without worry.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is governed by a board with four members appointed by the governor.

The mayor is the fifth member ex officio. Budget, staffing, and pensions have their origins outside city hall.

The police department has a separate personnel office and state legislators vote on salaries, etc.

When I first arrived here, I could not comprehend that legislators from Potosi or Independence could legislate on matters costing St. Louis tax dollars. Proponents of this current system say that this board appointed by the governor takes politics out of policing.

I would respond that only local politics is not present. Important backers, known as “aces” are very significant when it comes time for promotions and transfers.

These important backers are most frequently state legislators. So, state politics is ever present in police affairs. Representative Nancy Farmer has introduced legislation in Jefferson City to return control of its police to the City of St. Louis, to its elected officials and ultimately to the residents.

This will be a very difficult battle. Those who profit from the present system oppose any change. Advocates who believe the city should handle its own safety directly need to express their position on this issue. Both Mayor Bosley and former Mayor Schocmchl strongly support local control of the St. Louis police.

As Bosley once said, “The Civil War ended over one hundred years ago.” Citizens want to hold their elected officials and public administrators accountable. That is not possible now with the police.

Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, March 1994.

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