Judie
In a significant legislative move, the Missouri House of Representatives has passed House Bill 495, aiming to transfer control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) back to a state-appointed board.
This decision seeks to reverse the 2012 voter-approved measure that granted local authorities oversight of the police force. The bill now awaits consideration by the Missouri Senate.
Historical Context of SLMPD Governance
For over a century, the SLMPD operated under a state-appointed Board of Police Commissioners, which included the city’s mayor and four gubernatorial appointees.
This structure was established during the Civil War era and remained until 2013, when local control was instituted following a statewide referendum.
Proponents of the current bill argue that returning to state oversight could address ongoing challenges related to crime rates and police staffing.
Provisions of House Bill 495
House Bill 495, sponsored by State Representative Brad Christ (R-St. Louis County), proposes the formation of a five-member Board of Police Commissioners to oversee the SLMPD. The composition of the board would be as follows:
- St. Louis Mayor: Serves as an ex-officio member.
- Four Commissioners: Appointed by the governor with specific nomination sources:
- One commissioner appointed at the governor’s discretion.
- One nominee recommended by the St. Louis Mayor’s office.
- One nominee from the St. Louis Police Officers Association.
- One nominee from the Ethical Society of Police.
To qualify, commissioners must have resided in the City of St. Louis for a minimum of three years and must not hold any other public office. If enacted, the board would assume control of the SLMPD in August 2025.
Support and Opposition
Supporters of the bill, including its sponsor Rep. Brad Christ, contend that state oversight will enhance public safety, improve accountability, and address issues such as officer retention.
In a press release, Rep. Christ stated, “This bill is a vital step forward in making Missouri’s communities safer.”
Conversely, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones and SLMPD Police Chief Robert Tracy have expressed strong opposition to the proposed change. Mayor Jones emphasized that no lawmaker supporting the state takeover has demonstrated how it would enhance safety in St. Louis.
She remarked, “Today’s vote is politics at its worst.” Chief Tracy echoed these concerns, highlighting the progress made under local control and questioning the necessity of the proposed shift.
Additional Provisions in HB 495
Beyond the governance restructure, HB 495 encompasses several statewide public safety measures, including:
- Enhanced Penalties: For offenses such as stunt driving, street takeovers, burglary, retail theft, and sex trafficking of minors.
- Child Endangerment: Strengthening penalties related to child endangerment cases.
- Riot Definition Expansion: Broadening the legal definition to encompass a wider range of activities.
- School Safety Committees: Mandating the creation of committees focused on enhancing safety protocols in educational institutions.
- Immigration Status Reporting: Requiring law enforcement agencies to report the immigration status of criminal offenders.
Next Steps
Following its passage in the House with a 106-47 vote, HB 495 has been forwarded to the Missouri Senate for further deliberation.
Should the Senate approve the bill, it will proceed to Governor Mike Kehoe for final authorization. If enacted, the transition to state oversight of the SLMPD is slated for August 2025.
Summary of Key Information
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Bill Number | House Bill 495 |
| Primary Sponsor | State Rep. Brad Christ (R-St. Louis County) |
| Proposed Change | Transfer control of SLMPD to a state-appointed Board of Police Commissioners |
| Board Composition | – St. Louis Mayor – Four commissioners appointed by the governor |
| Commissioner Qualifications | – Minimum three-year residency in St. Louis – No other public office held |
| Additional Provisions | – Enhanced penalties for specific crimes – Expanded riot definition – School safety committees – Mandatory reporting of offenders’ immigration status |
| Current Status | Passed by Missouri House; awaiting Senate consideration |
FAQs
What prompted the introduction of House Bill 495?
Proponents cite concerns over rising crime rates, officer retention issues, and believe that reverting to state oversight could provide more effective governance of the SLMPD.
How was the SLMPD governed prior to this bill?
Before 2013, the SLMPD was managed by a state-appointed Board of Police Commissioners. Local control was established following a 2012 statewide vote.
Who will appoint the members of the new Board of Police Commissioners?
The governor will appoint four commissioners: one at their discretion, one nominated by the St. Louis Mayor’s office, one by the St. Louis Police Officers Association, and one by the Ethical Society of Police.