The Ethical Society of Police (ESOP) acknowledges the announcement of St. Louis County Police Chief Kenneth Gregory’s retirement and recognizes his service as the first black police chief in the history of the St. Louis County Police Department.
We thank Chief Gregory for his many years of dedicated service and wish him success in his next chapter.
This transition presents a critical opportunity to continue to move forward with intentional policing practices that strengthen trust, particularly in communities that have historically experienced disparities in law enforcement.
ESOP believes the next phase of leadership must prioritize accountability, transparency, and equitable hiring and policing practices.
While progress has been made, there is always more work to be done. As the department enters this transition, ESOP stresses that the selection of the next chief must be conducted through a transparent, merit-based process that prioritizes integrity, proven leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to equitable policing. This is a critical moment to ensure that leadership is not only experienced, but also aligned with the values of accountability and fairness both within the department and in the community.
The selection of the next chief should reflect a clear commitment to fair treatment within the department, strong officer and professional staff support systems, and policies that ensure consistent, ethical standards across all ranks.
ESOP remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for justice, professionalism, and integrity within policing. We look forward to working alongside new leadership to build on existing efforts and to help shape a department culture that reflects the highest standards of service and community partnership.
