St. Louis Police Receive $300M Federal Grant Despite Mayoral Objections

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department received a $300 million federal award last week.

The U.S. Department of Justice selected St. Louis along with three other model cities for the Model Cities Initiative. Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the award in a press release dated October 30. The funds will support officer recruitment, crime-fighting technology, officer safety, and community services.

Mayor Cara Spencer told the Board of Police Commissioners on Wednesday that neither she nor any other city official approved the grant application. She stated that city departments asked the DOJ questions in June about potential involvement. Spencer said those questions remained unanswered. She argued that the city was excluded from the process entirely.

Police Chief Robert Tracy responded that he believed the city was involved from the start. He explained that the federal delegation approached his department. Tracy noted that under current state governance, the state board president could sign off on the application. He mentioned that recommendations came from the governor's office, the attorney general's office, and other entities.

The grant will fund the department's inaugural Aerial Response Unit. The board approved this unit on Wednesday by a 4-1 vote. Spencer voted against the measure, citing a lack of community input. She described the drone program as flawed. Tracy signed the special order governing the unit immediately after the meeting.

SLMPD purchased six drones with assistance from the St. Louis Police Foundation. The department plans to use federal funds to buy more. Tracy promised that the city will be involved as the grant is implemented. He stated that drones will transform how officers respond to emergencies and provide critical information before arrival.

Residents can expect drone test flights to begin Wednesday afternoon. The drones will respond to a limited number of 911 calls. They will not automatically fly to all service calls but remain eligible for dispatch. Community members have raised privacy concerns regarding drone recording capabilities.