CLAYTON, Mo. (KMOX) - A multi-million dollar verdict against the St. Louis County Police Department forces changes in leadership.
Police Board Chair Roland Corvington has stepped down -- a move announced in a letter by County Executive Sam Page to employees.
While some elected officials have also called for Police Chief Jon Belmar to turn in his badge, Page said in the letter sent to KMOX News, that the Chief will lead the department through new changes.
Page added new appointments to the Police Board are coming.
Here is the full letter to St. Louis County employees:
From: Page, Sam <SPage@stlouisco.com>Sent: Monday, October 28, 2019 4:50 PMSubject: Challenges and Opportunities
Dear county employees,
Each of you should be respected, valued, and treated with dignity. That’s what you deserve, and it’s my job to keep that promise.
People of color, women, and people who identify as LGBTQIA+ face unique challenges in the workplace. As an employer, St. Louis County hasn’t always done a good job of addressing those painful realities.
One of my first acts as County Executive was to appoint Hazel Erby as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We also began changing policies that disproportionately impact women like paid family leave. And the staff I hired to help me run county government includes people from different generations, races, sexual orientations, and genders.
Last week, in a court case, the honesty of police officers and inclusion within the Police Department were called into question. We have heard those criticisms, but we won’t dwell on them. We must instead build a culture where all employees know they are valued and respected. We must implement policies and practices that guarantee every employee is treated with dignity. And we must hold our employees to high standards of honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
We have a lot of work to do. Learning starts with listening. This morning I met with a group of LGBTQIA+ leaders. I met with Ms. Erby this afternoon to learn from her experienced perspective. And today my staff met with the Anti-Defamation League to begin building an implicit bias training program.
I am serious about change. But I know that change will last only if it is implemented thoughtfully. New appointments to the Police Board are forthcoming, including an appointment to fill the vacancy that Board Chair Roland Corvington’s resignation created today. Other changes will come by taking a fresh look at how the Police Department makes decisions. Over the coming weeks, Chief Belmar will lead the department through these changes.
I look forward to working with each of you as we renew our commitment to making St. Louis County a welcoming place for all its diverse residents.
Thank you,
Sam Page
In the lawsuit, former Police Sgt. Keith Wildhaber says he was passed over for promotions 23 times because he is gay.
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