Signature campaign kicks off for local control initiative

St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay and the St. Louis Police Officers Association are throwing their support behind a voter's initiative proposal that would give St. Louis direct control of its police department.

The Safer Missouri Citizens Coalition is seeking 100,000 signatures by May sixth to put the proposal on this November's ballot. Jeff Roorda, business manager for the St. Louis Police Officers' Association, said opponents who argue the bill would limit public oversight and access to records are misleading the public.

"Let's not get distracted by cop-haters who are looking for a reason to drive a wedge when we're coming to the table trying to find a way to make this work better," Roorda said.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which supports local control, is suing to block the initiative. It claims the measure's summary, as it would appear on the ballot, misrepresents the changes proposed.