St Louis Police Department reports progress on recruitment after officer pay raises

The Budget and Public Employees Committee Meeting held on May 8, 2025, focused on addressing ongoing recruitment challenges within the St. Louis Police Department and the impact of recent salary increases on staffing levels.

The meeting began with discussions on the recruitment difficulties faced by the department since the last budget season. A representative highlighted that following a collective bargaining agreement two years prior, officers received a significant salary increase of $12,000 in 2023, followed by an additional raise of approximately 7% earlier this year. These adjustments were aimed at making the department more competitive in attracting and retaining officers.

The representative noted that despite these increases, the department is still not the highest-paying in the region. However, the recent raises have led to a positive trend, with 35 former officers returning to the department over the past two years. This includes two officers who rejoined just two weeks prior to the meeting. The representative also mentioned that three additional officers are currently undergoing background checks for re-employment.

Several factors contributed to the previous departures of officers, including economic considerations and morale issues related to the handling of arrests by prior administrations. The department has initiated a recruitment campaign in collaboration with the St. Louis Police Foundation, utilizing billboards and other promotional strategies to attract new candidates.

The meeting also touched on the need for legislative adjustments to align budgetary processes with the fiscal year, as current timelines have created discrepancies in funding availability. The discussions underscored the importance of addressing these issues to enhance recruitment efforts and improve overall department morale.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts of the St. Louis Police Department to tackle staffing challenges through competitive salaries and targeted recruitment initiatives, while also recognizing the need for legislative improvements to support these efforts.