Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed statement on County Body Cameras

The entire body camera discussion began in our own backyard after the Mike Brown shooting in Ferguson almost 5 years ago. On Sept. 20, 2017, the Board of Estimate & Apportionment unanimously voted and agreed to move forward with a free trial of body cameras for 50 City police officers. We then voted to form a RFP committee to seek out proposals for a permanent solution. 

687 days later, the City of St. Louis still does not have body cameras. It took St. Louis County less than three months to sign a contract and begin the roll out. 

I am disappointed that our surrounding municipalities are taking steps forward to improve the safety of residents and officers. Yet, the City is at a standstill.

If residents still want to see body cameras in our City, I am asking they reach out to the Mayor’s Office and request the RFP committee to resume and move the process forward. 

687 days is long enough.

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In 2007, Lewis E. Reed became President of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen and the first African-American elected to be President of the Board of Aldermen in the history of the Board. In 2018, Reed was elected to his fourth-term as President of the Board of Aldermen - the longest serving in the City's history.  As President of the Board of Aldermen, he manages and leads the entire Board of Aldermen towards working for the residents and the future of the City of St. Louis. Learn more here.