The legal battle over who commands the budget for the St. Louis Police Department is now in the hands of a judge. Closing arguments finished Thursday in one of the lawsuits challenging the state's police takeover. Two residents sued, claiming the new state-appointed board doesn't have the constitutional authority to force City Hall to increase police spending. Plaintiff Jamala Rogers says ignoring the will of the voters is a major problem. "It takes the power out of the hands of voters, so I think that is very dis-settling and outrageous."
But, supporters of the state takeover argue the city proved it couldn't handle it.
State attorneys argued St. Louis is a crucial economic hub that requires improved safety .Both sides have until June 1st to submit their final written briefs.
The lawsuit centers on the 2025 state law that stripped the city of its police oversight and handed it to a state-appointed board
The lawsuit centers on the 2025 state law that stripped the city of its police oversight and handed it to a state-appointed board
