St. Louis Bill Would Make Short-Term Officers Repay Training Costs
March 16, 2022
Under the legislation, which awaits the mayor's signature, St. Louis police officers who leave the department less than two years would have to repay the cost of their academy training.
A new bill would require St. Louis police officers to repay the cost of their training if they leave the force before serving for at least two years.
The proposed city legislation was unanimously post by the St. Louis Board of Aldermen on Monday, KSDK-TV reports. It now awaits Mayor Tishaura Jones' signature.
Under the bill, officers who join the department after graduating from the academy must stay with the force for at least two years. If they leave earlier, they could be required to pay back the cost of the six-month academy training, which is nearly $37,000.
Ideally, city officials hope new officers stay with the department for at least four years. But the city has seen a sharp increase in departures recently.
Historically, the St. Louis Police Department has lost between 75 to 90 officers annually. Last year, the department saw 178 officers leave, according to KSDK.
