Supporters of local control to go to Jefferson City next Wednesday

Supporters of local control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department are going to Jefferson City next Wednesday (Jan. 26th) to raise support and awareness of this important issue. This event will coincide with the hearing of SB 23 sponsored by Sen. Joe Keaveny (D-4) which allows the City of St. Louis to control its police force without state intervention.

Those who wish to get a ride must sign up here, but organizers are requesting that everyone, including people driving themselves, register. Participants will be meeting in the Capitol Rotunda between 9:30 and 10:30am. Speaking with state legislators is scheduled from 10:30am to 1:00pm. The hearing will be held at 2:00pm in Senate Committee Room #2.  Lunch will be provided.

Additionally, anyone who is in support of this legislation is encouraged to contact their legislators voicing their support of local control. To find out who your legislator is please click here.

Background:

In 1861, one hundred and fifty years ago, the state of Missouri took control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. The initial change in control was protect the Armory and to keep police from falling under control of a pro-Union Army and anti-slavery forces in St. Louis during the Civil War. Today this system is still in place. The St. Louis Police Board is comprised of a five member board consisting of the Mayor of the City of St. Louis (Ex-Officio) and four appointees of the Missouri State Governor.

Why this is important:

Local control is more efficient, responsive, and democratic. Municipal representatives should be elected by the electorate of the municipality or appointed by the authorities thereof.  We are all Missourians, but geography, among other things, makes life in St. Louis City different from life in rural Missouri.  Should the urban dweller in St. Louis city be able to affect the laws regarding farming in rural Missouri?  Should the farmer in rural Missouri determine the number of police officers on the street in St. Louis City?

A position on the police board  should not be a political spoil to be handed out. Rather, the people of St. Louis should have authority over their tax dollars.  Everyone who believes in the Democratic Process should believe in local control for St. Louis’ police department. Additionally, efficiency can be greatly improved by reducing the duplication of services that currently exist with the city and police department.

Today, there is a growing coalition of neighborhood, business, civic, religious and political leaders who have publicly voiced support for local control. The citizens of St. Louis voted overwhelmingly last November in favor of returning control the City of St. Louis. Clearly, now is the time for St. Louis to regain what was lost one hundred and fifty years ago.

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Posted by The Core Editor on Jan 20 2011. Filed under Feature Story, Saint Louis City. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.