ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - St. Louis Public Safety Director Judge Jimmie Edwards' resignation is effective March 31st. Mayor Lyda Krewson says these moves are completely normal since a new administration will be coming in.
Krewson said in a statement: "Judge Edwards informed us and his department heads about two weeks ago. I have been so honored to have Judge Jimmie Edwards as part of my administration over the past four years. As public safety director, he led our largest departments with his constant professionalism, intellect, and vast legal experience. I am grateful for his service to the people of the City of St. Louis and thankful for his wise counsel and partnership during my time as mayor. I know Judge Edwards will continue to be successful, as he embarks on the next chapter of his professional career."
Mayoral Candidates Tishaura Jones and Cara Spencer have said there needs to be a change of leadership in public safety.
At a mayoral forum this week, when asked about Judge Edwards, Tishaura Jones said "the mayor has the authority to replace everyone in her cabinet and that's exactly what I plan to do on day one. I will interview everybody there, I do plan on replacing the public safety director. Jimmie Edwards has been in there for four years and while I respect Judge Edwards personally, I think it's time to go in a new direction."
Cara Spencer was not quite as specific saying, "for personnel issues, I'm not prepared to make specific answers to those questions, but I have expressed concerns about the leadership in our public safety department throughout. You know, I think we can all agree, looking at our crime rates and the lack of trust within our community and our police department, that we have a lot of work to do."
The St. Louis Police Chief also serves at the pleasure of the mayor. There was no comment from either mayoral candidate specifically about Chief Hayden.
When Lyda Krewson became Mayor, then Police Chief Sam Dotson resigned and Krewson replaced him with Chief Hayden.
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