By Adam Allington, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – The St. Louis Police Board of Commissioners has approved demotions for the eight St. Louis police officers who admitted to using seized World Series tickets.
Police Chief Joe Mokwa met with the Police Board on Wednesday where they upheld his recommendations.
Board President Chris Goodson says that the penalties fit the crime.
"It was in the best interest of the community, the organization and the officers and in that order, that's who we represent," says Goodson. "This is a stern discipline this is not a slap on the wrist."
The reductions in rank will be in place for at least a year and will cost each officer over $20,000 in salary reducitons.
Originally it looked as if the ticket scandal might cost the officers their jobs.
The Police Officers Association did not hide their intent to fight terminations if Chief Mokwa went that far.
The punishments approved today did not result in firings, but St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay says the penalties are no slap on the wrist.
"I think it did deserve harsh punishment and I think the recommendation that the Chief mad was harsh. I mean they're gonna get two week suspension, they're gonna get demotions, reduction in rank as well as significant reduction in pay...it's gonna be about $25,000 on average."
All eight of the officers involved in the scandal have been transferred out of the Vice and Narcotics Division.
Seven were also reduced to the rank of "probationary officer". One sergeant was bumped down to "Police Officer".