Senator Mike Bernskoetter

6th Senatorial District

For Immediate Release: 

Feb. 14, 2025

Capitol Building, Room 416

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Contact Kenny Ross: 

 573-751-2076

Legislation to Combat Crime

Rising crime in Missouri, particularly in urban areas such as St. Louis, has created an urgent need for legislative intervention and action. Now is the moment to address this critical issue head-on by passing legislation designed to combat crime across the state. It is imperative the Missouri General Assembly follow the direction of the governor and pass Senate Bill 52, which would require a governor appointed police board to control the St. Louis police department.

Crime poses a significant threat to the quality of life, economic wellbeing and happiness of Missourians. Rising crime rates, particularly violent crime, have instilled fear and concern amongst the citizens of our state. This is a particular problem in major urban centers, especially the city of St. Louis, the gateway to our state for many people. It is imperative for the wellbeing of Missouri that St. Louis be as safe as possible. Crime in St. Louis is not just a problem for the city, but a problem for all of Missouri.

Although SB 52 is not my bill, supporting it is a crucial step in making St. Louis a safe and prosperous city. The core of this legislation is changing the governance and oversight of the St. Louis Police Department. I believe the statistics show years of the department being in disarray. Starved of resources and the leadership they need to combat crime in the city, SB 52 gives control of the police department to a board comprised of the St. Louis Mayor and four gubernatorial appointees. 

This change to how the St. Louis Police Department is run will take politics out of its leadership of this law and allow its officers to focus on putting criminals in jail. This bill also sets a minimum number of police officers working in the city at 1,313 sworn members. This is an increase in the number of officers currently working in the city. It also sets minimum standards on the pay of those police officers. These two changes will increase the size of the police force in St. Louis and increase their pay to increase recruitment and retention. I believe this is critical to ensuring the city is protected by the best police force possible.

The Senate took up this bill for the first time this week, but was unable to get the language finalized. However, it will be back on the floor soon. Passage of SB 52 is an important step to ensure the safety of all Missourians and the success of our state. I am hopeful that the debate on this legislation will be productive and set the General Assembly on a path to pass this bill. I support this bill and hope to report to you soon that it has passed the Senate.

Please feel free to contact my office at 573-751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.