Show-Me State Times

The Board of Aldermen in St. Louis is making strides towards passing legislation that aims to provide meaningful oversight of surveillance technology and automated traffic enforcement. The proposed bills have been a result of collaboration with various stakeholders, including residents, advocates, and experts, to ensure community voices are at the forefront of the law-making process.

Alderman Shane Cohn, sponsor of Board Bills 105 and 106, emphasized the importance of addressing community concerns and providing additional resources to combat reckless driving. He stated, "This Executive Order does not change my position in moving these bills forward. Our communities need lasting, durable policies that address their concerns and provide neighborhoods with additional resources to combat reckless driving."

Another key legislation, Board Bill 185, introduced by Alderman Aldridge, focuses on creating a public process for evaluating surveillance technology before its adoption by the police department. Alderman Aldridge highlighted the significance of transparency and accountability in rebuilding trust with the St. Louis community. He stated, "Transparency and accountability from the Police Department are central towards rebuilding trust with the St. Louis community. Doing this process well will begin to restore the legitimacy of the police in people's minds."

President Megan E. Green stressed the importance of true accountability in governance, stating, "An Executive Order is an insufficient tool to achieve accountability. It simply requests compliance from departments and reiterates preexisting regulations related to police conduct established by federal law." President Green emphasized the need for a responsive relationship between government branches and the communities they serve, expressing concerns about a pattern of evading responsibility by the Mayor's Office.

The Board of Aldermen remains committed to open debate and community engagement in addressing critical issues such as surveillance technology and automated traffic enforcement. They expect the Administration's cooperation in implementing the proposed Board Bills 105, 106, and 185 to ensure lasting and effective policies for the benefit of the St. Louis community.