Police in Big Blue City: Critical Staff Shortage Reaches All-Time Low

A big city formerly called the murder capitol has lost many police personnel. Officer staffing is at a historic low in the city.

Police (Photo: Google)

Staffing Crisis Hits St. Louis Police

Out of a budgeted 1,224 officers, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is having to fill over 300 openings due to officer turnover. Data shows the department’s personnel has been dropping since 2020.

The St. Louis Police Officers Association business manager was surprised by the historically low numbers and stressed the need to solve the problem. Several hundred St. Louis police officers left the department in August, citing personnel shortages, unsustainable workloads, and a perceived lack of political backing. Five retired, two joined another police agency and eight quit policing.

SLMPD Chief Robert Tracy asked the community to help recruit officers due to staffing issues. To solve the manpower deficit, the department offered $500 to existing workers who referred police academy graduates.

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St. Louis Crime Rates Decline Amidst Ongoing Police Staffing Challenges

St. Louis’ crime rate has dropped despite having one of the worst murder rates in recent years. The city ranks second in murder rates among 70 Major Cities Chiefs Association-reporting cities, after New Orleans.

Homicides dropped 26% in November after rising to 263 in 2020. Robberies fell 7%, and severe assaults fell 10%. However, staffing issues in the St. Louis Police Department continue to threaten public safety and cause officer burnout, as shown by a September 2023 scramble to fill a city district after both officers called out sick.

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