Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Governor Signs Bill Benefiting St. Louis Police Officers
ST. LOUIS–Gov. Matt Blunt today signed Senate Bill 1086, sponsored by Sen. Harry Kennedy (D-St. Louis), granting the St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners the authority to establish police officer salaries without prior authorization from the General Assembly.
“I am pleased to enact this bill giving the St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners the authority to work with St. Louis' finest on pay and pension issues,” Blunt said. “It makes more sense for these issues to be resolved locally. This is a positive step for law enforcement in St. Louis and I commend the General Assembly for passing this legislation.”
This bill repeals the existing provision defining the maximum compensation table for St. Louis police officers. As a result, the St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners will have the authority to establish police force members’ annual salaries without prior authorization from the General Assembly.
The St. Louis Police Board is responsible for the effective operation of the Police Department. The Board sets policy, makes promotions, holds both closed and open meetings and coordinates with the Chief in providing effective police services to the citizens. The mission of the St. Louis Police Board is to protect its citizens from crime; to work with the community on crime problems; to set policy and continually strive to provide effective policing through service, leadership, integrity and fairness to all.
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