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Missouri Legislature Votes to Control St. Louis Police

St. Louis city skyline at dusk with police symbolism

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News Summary

Missouri lawmakers voted 27 to 5 in favor of a bill to place the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department under state control. Supporters, including some Kansas City Democrats, argue this aims to increase accountability, while critics claim it may reduce local oversight and exacerbate issues of racism in policing. The bill is set to advance to the Missouri House before reaching the governor for approval, reflecting ongoing tensions and debates about police governance in urban areas.

Missouri’s Controversial Move to Take Control of St. Louis Police

In a surprising twist, Missouri lawmakers have recently voted in favor of a bill that would put the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department under state control. The legislation, which sailed through the Missouri Senate with a significant 27 to 5 vote, has raised eyebrows and sparked a fierce debate among local residents and activists.

Who Supported the Bill?

Among the supporters are two Democratic state senators from Kansas City, Patty Lewis and Maggie Nurrenbern, who joined the Republican majority in this decision. The absence of Senator Barbara Washington, who was tending to a family emergency, means her voice was missed during this crucial vote. All Republican senators from the Kansas City area also threw their weight behind this proposal.

What’s Next?

The bill is now heading to the Missouri House for one more vote before it can be passed on to Governor Mike Kehoe for his signature. If enacted, this new governance structure would mirror that of Kansas City, where local leaders have been grappling with how to manage their police force effectively without direct oversight.

What Will Change?

Under this new setup, a six-member Board of Police Commissioners would be established for St. Louis. Disturbingly, five out of the six members would be appointed by the Republican governor, while the city’s mayor would occupy the remaining seat. This has ignited a firestorm of confusion and frustration among activists who have been advocating for local control of the Kansas City Police Department for years.

Activist Reactions

For many local activists, including those from the group MORE2, the support shown by Kansas City Democrats feels like a betrayal. They argue that pushing for state control only continues a trend of diminishing accountability in policing practices. Lewis, while stating she supports local governance, believes it’s improbable that the Republican-controlled General Assembly will allow such a change to happen. Nurrenbern has opted not to comment on her vote, leaving many to wonder about the internal dynamics at play.

A Divided Front

Meanwhile, all ten House Democrats from Kansas City vehemently opposed an earlier version of this legislation, signaling a strong division in how these matters should be handled. While rising crime rates in the area were cited as a justification for this bill, critics point out that it emerges from a deeply rooted history of racism dating back to the Civil War. This history continues to affect both St. Louis and Kansas City, home to large populations of Black and Hispanic residents.

Local Leaders Weigh In

Local leaders have strongly expressed their concerns that state control will undermine local accountability and decision-making processes. Furthermore, figures like Gwen Grant from the Urban League of Greater Kansas City have voiced their opinions, labeling the move as undemocratic and not genuinely focused on enhancing public safety.

Current Governance Structure

Under the existing system, Kansas City’s police governance is managed by a five-member Board of Police Commissioners, including four appointees selected by the governor and the mayor filling in the fifth spot. Proponents of the new bill, like Senate Majority Leader Tony Luetkemeyer, argue that this measure is critical for removing police control from mayors who may wish to defund the police, claiming it is essential for improving safety across Missouri.

Improvements in the Bill

As the discussion over policing and state control unfolds, it is evident that the implications go beyond just the law enforcement aspect. Missouri Senate Democrats have managed to negotiate some much-needed improvements to the bill, including the introduction of provisions that address issues affecting pregnant prisoners and those who have been exonerated. Even some senators, while opposing the overall legislation, acknowledged these important wins.

Conclusion

This ongoing debate certainly highlights broader issues of governance, accountability, and the delicate balance between state and local control in an era where urban areas are struggling with high crime rates. As St. Louis stands at this crossroads, the community waits with bated breath to see how this will all play out and what it means for the future of their policing policies.