Governor Signs Bill for State Control of St. Louis PD

Governor Mike Kehoe of Missouri has signed House Bill 495, initiating a state takeover of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, which will transition control to a board appointed by the state within 90 days. This move reverses the 2012 voter-approved measure for local control and has sparked significant opposition from St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones and other city officials who argue it undermines local governance. Proponents, including Governor Kehoe, argue the takeover is part of a broader strategy to enhance public safety amid concerns about high crime rates in St. Louis. The new six-member board will include five gubernatorial appointees and the mayor, with the aim to improve efficiency and accountability in policing. Both the St. Louis Police Officers Association and the Ethical Society of Police support the state control, seeing it as beneficial for law enforcement effectiveness. Despite the controversy, city officials, including Police Chief Robert Tracy, have pledged to continue prioritizing public safety during and after the transition.