City of St. Louis sues State of Missouri over plan to takeover police department
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - The City of St. Louis is suing the State of Missouri over its plan to take control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
City leaders threatened a lawsuit when Missouri lawmakers ed legislation to put the department in the hands of a five-member board. On Monday, they went through with the lawsuit.
Board of Alderman President Megan Green is listed as a co-plaintiff, along with the City of St. Louis. The lawsuit states that a clause in state law forbidding city officials from interfering with the board’s work violates Green’s First Amendment rights. It also says provisions requiring the city to spend more of its budget on police violate the state constitution.
The lawsuit is the latest attempt by city leaders to stop the law. They point to declining crime over the past few years as a reason why a state takeover is not needed, warning it could reverse the progress.
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe insists that the state takeover will help revive the police force, reduce crime, and keep more people and businesses in St. Louis.
The lawsuit was filed one day before Mayor-elect Cara Spencer is sworn in. She would be on the five-member board if the state takeover continues.
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