The St. Louis Police Officers’ Association is deeply disappointed by the Board of Police Commissioners’ decision to extend Chief Tracy’s contract and approve a massive annual salary increase during a closed session.

While we respect the Board’s authority, this decision sends the wrong message to the men and women who keep this department running. Civilian and professional staff have worked without a contract since June 2025, with wages that remain below market rates, while rank-and-file officers continue earning thousands less than their counterparts in St. Louis County.

Leadership is demonstrated by putting employees first. Fast-tracking a contract extension that was years from expiring while leaving civilian employees waiting is difficult to defend.  

We have consistently supported this Board because we believed it would put the needs of the department and its employees ahead of politics. Instead, the Board has done precisely what the SLPOA fought to prevent: allowing outside pressure to overshadow the needs of the officers and civilian professionals who serve this city. We supported a change in governance to protect this department from political interference, not to watch that interference take a different form.

The employees who serve this department every day deserve the same urgency and consideration afforded to its chief.

Fraternally,

Martin Garcia

SLPOA President