Moments before protesters had announced that they would storm the St. Louis City Hall for a second time, the Board of Estimate and Apportionment adopted a resolution to implement a public safety plan that would include body cameras for police and a civilian oversight board.
“Whereas the public safety of the citizens of the City of St. Louis is a high priority during this time of unrest, the Board of Estimate and Apportionment agrees to meet the public safety needs of the citizens,” stated the resolution, which was brought forward by Comptroller Darlene Green.
On Monday, about 100 youth protested on the first floor of City Hall, wanting to speak with Mayor Francis Slay about their demands, which included body cameras and a police oversight board.
They also demanded that there be an independent review for all “police shootings,” and that the Metropolitan Police Department refrain from participating in federal programs that offer police agencies military equipment for free or at a discount.
A smaller group returned at 4 p.m. on Wednesday and held a press conference in front of City Hall. Young activist Rasheed Aldridge said they don’t want any more promises. They want to see aldermanic board bills and concrete actions, and that’s what they intend to tell the mayor during their meeting on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
“The mayor hasn’t been a good character when it comes to civilian review,” he said.
Aldridge said he vetoed a bill for civilian review, sponsored by Alderman Terry Kennedy, in 2006.
“Now with what happened in Ferguson, the mayor is trying to quickly rush to get a civilian review bill passed to make him look like he’s doing something,” he said.
While the protesters were addressing the media, Slay’s office was emailing reporters a letter from the mayor that was not addressed to anyone. Activists said they did not see or receive the letter before holding the press conference.
In the letter, Slay stated that he and Alderman Kennedy are working “in good faith” on creating legislation for a civilian review board.
“It will take a few more weeks to work through some of our difference on the details of how to realize that agreement,” Slay stated.
He said he is working with Comptroller Green to include money in an upcoming bond issue for the body cameras. He stated that St. Louis City Police Chief Sam Dotson now requires all officer-involved shootings to be independently reviewed by
Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce. And the city does not participate in the federal government’s 1033 program that provides police agencies with military equipment.
Aldridge said this is just the beginning of the conversation, and they will make sure that they see action.
He said, “The mayor has power to at least talk to the people, talk to the city and let us know that you understand our pain.”
