Public opposition fails to stop police command staff raises
The St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners approved raises for the city police department’s command staff this week despite objections from Mayor Cara Spencer and criticism from residents who said the move could strain the city’s budget. The vote passed 4-1, with Spencer casting the lone dissenting vote. The board, which regained control of the […] The post Public opposition fails to stop police command staff raises appeared first on St. Louis American.
Black News 
The St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners approved raises for the city police department’s command staff this week despite objections from Mayor Cara Spencer and criticism from residents who said the move could strain the city’s budget.
The vote passed 4-1, with Spencer casting the lone dissenting vote. The board, which regained control of the department under a state law that returned the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to state oversight last year, is largely appointed by Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe.
The command staff — made up of lieutenants, captains, majors and lieutenant colonels — represents about 56 members of the force.
The raises include increases of 16% for lieutenants, 18% for captains, 20% for majors and 22% for lieutenant colonels. The pay increases are expected to take effect June 28, marking the first scheduled increase for command staff in three years. Lower-ranking officers previously received raises of 7% in both 2025 and 2026.
The board initially considered the raises June 4 but postponed a vote for two weeks after Spencer requested more time for city budget officials to evaluate the financial impact. Spencer described the funding request as a “scramble” that would force the city to reallocate funds just weeks before the start of the new fiscal year July 1.
“Two weeks is not a due diligence period that I feel is adequate when considering multiple millions of dollars and raises that will have other impacts across other departments,” Spencer said. “Voting no for something like this is heartbreaking.”
Spencer and other city officials have argued the raises will trigger additional costs because portions of firefighter compensation are tied to police salaries under the city charter.
Police Chief Robert Tracy said the department is struggling to retain experienced leaders and fill command positions. He argued that salary compression and more competitive pay offered by neighboring agencies have increased the risk of losing veteran commanders to retirement or other departments.
Even with the approved raises, most St. Louis police commanders will continue to earn less than their counterparts in St. Louis County and the Kansas City Police Department, according to salary comparisons presented by the department.
The meeting drew significant public criticism. Residents and elected officials questioned both the timing of the raises and their potential impact on other city services.
Alderwoman Daniela Velazquez told commissioners she was disappointed the board would consider such substantial increases without fully considering the broader effect on the city budget.
Local business owner John Parker, speaking during public comment, said he supports the police department but criticized the board’s handling of the issue. “It’s not that you’re wrong,” Parker said, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “It’s how you’re doing it. It’s a basic lack of respect.”
Several residents also voiced frustration over the ongoing conflict between City Hall and the police board, while others raised concerns about police accountability and neighborhood public safety issues.
Supporters of the raises argue they are necessary to address salary compression, improve retention and keep the department competitive with other law enforcement agencies. Opponents contend the city was not given enough time to evaluate the financial impact and warn the increases could place additional pressure on an already challenging budget cycle.
The post Public opposition fails to stop police command staff raises appeared first on St. Louis American.
