Today, in response to recent action by the St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners, Governor Mike Kehoe requested Attorney General Catherine Hanaway to initiate a thorough investigation into the Board regarding potential violations of Missouri's Sunshine Law during meetings held on or about October 17, 2026.
"While I remain supportive of the authority of the citizen-led St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners, their recent decision to fast-track Chief Tracy's contract extension during a closed door, non-transparent process raises serious concerns," said Governor Kehoe. "I am requesting our state's chief law enforcement officer initiate a thorough investigation into potential violations of open meeting requirements during this contract negotiation and take any necessary enforcement actions to ensure full compliance with the law."
Section 610.011, RSMo, explicitly establishes that it is the public policy of the State of Missouri that meetings, records, votes, actions, and deliberations of public bodies shall be open to the public unless otherwise provided by law. The Sunshine Law promotes openness, transparency, and accountability in state and local government, serving as a vital safeguard of the public trust.
"As a proud born-and-raised St. Louisan who was brought up in the police family, I care deeply about the rank-and-file officers and civilian employees of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. These men and women, along with the citizens of St. Louis and the State of Missouri, deserve clear answers and full transparency and accountability regarding governance and decisions of the Board," continued Governor Kehoe.
Read Governor Kehoe's letter to Attorney General Hanaway here.
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