Board of Police Commissioners - April 29, 2026

The City of St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners held a meeting on April 29, 2026, focusing heavily on procurement and budgetary matters related to the police department. Key procurement discussions included approval of a contract with Axon for the acquisition of 1,000 tasers at an annual cost of approximately $1.3 million, as well as several capital improvement projects such as bathroom renovations at the crime lab and sixth floor, and flooring replacement at the police academy totaling over $560,000. The board also reviewed and approved a resolution encompassing multiple contracts and grant agreements, including maintenance for the booking system and security agreements with St. Louis County. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to a detailed resolution authorizing numerous budget transfer requests to reallocate existing funds within the department, including transfers for vehicle replacements, legal services, and noise reduction improvements at the firing range. The legality and availability of funds, particularly concerning prior year encumbrances, were debated extensively, with differing opinions on the board's authority to reappropriate these funds. Additionally, the chief of police provided updates on crime reduction statistics and recruitment efforts, highlighting ongoing initiatives to increase staffing levels. The meeting concluded with motions to enter executive session for personnel matters.