ST. LOUIS, MO — Mayor Lyda Krewson announced the appointment of John Hayden as St. Louis' new police commissioner Thursday after a five-month search. Hayden was among six finalists that participated in a town hall earlier in December, fielding questions from citizens amid outcry from protesters. Among the most contentious issues were community violence and police shootings.

Hayden, who is black, is a 30-year veteran of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, rising through the ranks from patrolman to commander, first of the North Patrol Division and later of the department's Internal Affairs Division. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Washington University, a master's in management from Fontbonne University, and is working toward a law degree from St. Louis University. "John Hayden has served St. Louis with honor and distinction for 30 years," Mayor Krewson said. "He has a great track record building trust in the communities in which he's served. At this very critical time in our City, John will continue that exemplary service as our police chief."



Director of Public Safety Jimmie Edwards agreed, saying that Hayden had earned the respect of his fellow officers as well as the St. Louis community. "He treats all people, whether law enforcement or the accused, with respect. I believe that his informed concern for our city will be a great asset in closing the trust gap between the police and citizens." Hayden has said he is committed to building better relationships with citizens through community policing tactics and holding his officers accountable for their actions. He believes community outreach, redistribution of resources, in-depth analysis of crime trends, and better technology and training for officers will help reduce an epidemic of violent crime that that hit the city in recent years.