JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri legislators took the first steps to investigate the response to the unrest in Ferguson and surrounding areas. The Joint Committee on Governmental Accountability held its first hearing today (12-11) to gain a complete account of what happened before and after the grand jury’s decision on Nov. 24, 2014.

“The leaders of Ferguson have continually said the governor has failed to communicate with them,” said Dempsey. “We will go into this investigation without any preconceived notions and let the testimony of those involved tell the story.”

The Joint Committee on Government Accountability, was established in 2004 by state statute allowing the committee to look for inefficiencies and misconduct in state government. This is the first time the President Pro Tem and House Speaker felt the need for the committee to be empaneled. Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, was elected chairman, and said while these hearings are a good start, the investigation will take months.

“Clearly the events that unfolded in Ferguson have had a huge impact on the history of Missouri,” said Schaefer. “The issue has sparked not only statewide problems, but nationwide turmoil as well.”

The committee will also conduct its own independent analysis regarding state resources available if they should be necessary in the future.

“I am honored to be elected chairman of this bipartisan committee and look forward to leading the investigation into the state's response to events in Ferguson. As we begin this investigation, I want to assure Missourians that this committee will work tirelessly to understand the events and decisions surrounding the state's response to the violence and destruction that took place in Ferguson and the neighboring communities. The men and woman of our Missouri National Guard and the Missouri Highway Patrol serve our state with great pride and dedication. They deserve to have an in-depth review of decisions and policies that lead to their deployment and utilization,” said Schaefer.

The next hearing is expected to be held in the next couple of weeks.