I was recently sworn-in as the first African-American circuit attorney in our city’s 253-year history. It was humbling for this to happen in front of an over-flow crowd in St. Louis’ historic Old Court House.
This is a place where the highest court in Missouri refused to grant a black married couple the rights of citizenship because of their African heritage. It is the same place where the Missouri Supreme Court denied a Missouri woman the right to vote.
So for an African-American woman to be elected as the city’s chief prosecutor is a significant moment in St. Louis’ history. As noteworthy as this accomplishment may be, it is the future safety and welfare of our city’s residents that are my focus.
My taking office represents the first transition of an incoming circuit attorney who was not a current member of the office in over a half a century. On the positive side, past transfers of power created a level of reliability and continuity. On the other hand, it has created an organizational mindset that requires change to meet the significant challenges that presently face our city.
After the events of Ferguson, the public has a new expectation for the prosecutor’s role. That expectation expands the prosecutor’s role beyond the important task of prosecuting criminals, but includes using its unique prosecutorial tools to help prevent and reduce crime
To bring about the necessary change will require a deliberate and well-thought-out approach that will upset the status quo and business as usual. It will involve organizational restructuring and personnel changes. This may concern some that have comfort in the status quo. Please be assured, I understand the risk of upsetting the delicate balance of stakeholder cooperation and organizational competence required to achieve and to keep my commitment to reform our criminal justice system.
To address this risk, I have appointed a diverse executive team that consists of some of the most experienced and well-respected attorneys in Missouri. They have extensive experience working in St. Louis and sizeable number of jurisdictions throughout our state. In addition, I have sought advice and counsel from many of the top prosecutor offices throughout our nation.
Although advice is important, it is the people’s support that is the most crucial element to the success of my efforts to reform our justice system in St. Louis. The ability to forge working relationships with law enforcement, judges and other stakeholders is also important in this change effort. The success of my efforts is dependent on enhancing the trust of the people and in the ability of the circuit attorney’s office to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the many challenges of change.
Kimberly Gardner is the circuit attorney for the City of St. Louis.
