The St. Louis Board of Aldermen and Mayor Cara Spencer have taken decisive action to address serious misconduct by Sheriff Alfred Montgomery, passing a measure aimed at restoring accountability within his office. This move comes in response to a series of troubling actions taken by the sheriff since he assumed office in January 2023, including improper involvement in investigations and questionable financial management.
In a significant step forward, the board approved a measure that mandates Montgomery to transport jail inmates for necessary medical appointments and to justify his office’s expenses to the city comptroller. This decision reflects growing frustration among city leaders over Montgomery’s handling of his duties and his mismanagement of resources, which has resulted in an estimated $400,000 in accrued leave expenses due to politically motivated firings.
Montgomery’s tenure has been marked by erratic behavior, including an incident where he handcuffed the city’s top corrections official for allegedly interfering in a jail investigation. Additionally, he has faced criticism for requiring deputies to perform personal tasks, such as driving his children to school, and for extravagant spending, including $11,700 on shoulder patches for fewer than 200 deputies.
Despite these issues, Montgomery is now suing to overturn the recent mandate, claiming his office lacks adequate staffing and funding to meet the requirements. This assertion raises eyebrows given that he recently purged nearly 20 employees from his office for political reasons. The sheriff has also pointed to his status as an elected official to justify his autonomy, a claim that critics argue underscores the need for reform in how the position is structured.
Calls for Reform of the Sheriff’s Office
The unique context of St. Louis complicates matters further. Unlike most jurisdictions in Missouri, where county sheriffs are responsible for law enforcement in unincorporated areas, St. Louis operates independently from any county. This means that the role of the city sheriff is primarily focused on logistical support, such as transporting prisoners and providing courtroom security, rather than traditional law enforcement duties.
Critics of the elected sheriff position argue that this structure is outdated and does not align with the city’s needs. They suggest that transitioning to an appointed position would better reflect the role’s responsibilities. Such a change would likely require amending the city charter, a process that could involve significant public debate and a citywide vote.
Alternatives include lobbying the Missouri Legislature to redefine the sheriff’s office, similar to the recent changes made to the city police force, which was removed from under the mayor’s control amid political controversies. While the political landscape is fraught with challenges, city leaders are encouraged to explore all avenues for reforming the sheriff’s office.
Future Implications for Montgomery’s Tenure
As Montgomery faces increasing legal scrutiny, including a pending suit from the Missouri Attorney General’s Office seeking his removal for nonperformance of duties, the urgency for reform grows. Even if city leaders act quickly, Montgomery’s ongoing legal troubles suggest that his time in office may be limited.
The situation highlights a broader issue of governance within the city’s elected offices, particularly those that may not require direct public oversight. As St. Louis navigates this tumultuous period, the Board of Aldermen and Mayor Spencer must prioritize discussions on how to reshape the sheriff’s office to prevent future mismanagement and restore public trust.
Addressing the challenges posed by an elected sheriff who has strayed from his core responsibilities should be a priority for city leadership. Ensuring that the office serves the community effectively and efficiently is essential for the continued health of St. Louis’s governance.