Detention Facilities Oversight Board

Could new leaders bring transparency to St. Louis jail? Janis Mensah isn't sure

Lacretia Wimbley

Mensah, the former vice-chair of the city's Detention Facilities Oversight Board, faces resisting arrest and trespassing charges and claims they were beaten unconscious by police while waiting to access the St. Louis City Justice Center in August 2023. A jury trial is tentatively scheduled for May 12.

Doug Burris, St. Louis’ interim Commissioner of Corrections, on Monday, March 10, 2025, at St. Louis Public Radio in the city’s Grand Center neighborhood.

Government, Politics & Issues

Doug Burris plans to lead St. Louis City Justice Center with 'empathy'

Lacretia Wimbley

Interim Commissioner Doug Burris sat down with STLPR reporter Lacretia Wimbley to discuss how he’s navigating his new role amid public scrutiny and pending lawsuits against the St. Louis City Justice Center.

The Rev. Darryl Gray looks on as Ferguson Police Chief Troy Doyle shows video of an officer being injured at a protest on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, during a press conference at the Ferguson Community Center in Ferguson.

Government, Politics & Issues

Jail oversight chair is hopeful for more transparency at troubled St. Louis city jail

Lacretia Wimbley

The Rev. Darryl Gray said he is more hopeful for reform after a recent conversation with Commissioner of Corrections Jennifer Clemons-Abdullah.

The St. Louis City Justice Center on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Law & Order

St. Louis jail reform advocates skeptical of progress with consultant hire, corrections chief return

Lacretia Wimbley

St. Louis corrections chief Jennifer Clemons-Abdullah has returned after an unexplained three-month leave, and the former head of St. Louis County’s jail is working to assess and recommend fixes to the city jail.

Barbara J. Milon, who became the Commissioner of Civilian Oversight in the City of St. Louis on Monday Dec. 2, 2024 , poses for a picture. She is wearing a black jacket with a large brooch on her left lapel and a white shirt. She has blond curly hair and a smile on her face.

News Briefs

St. Louis gets new head of civilian police and detention oversight

Rachel Lippmann

The new commissioner, Barbara J. Milon, currently oversees St. Louis’ brownfields program. She was previously an administrator at nonprofits in Minneapolis and Cincinnati.

Rev. Darryl Gray, chairperson of the Detention Facilities Oversight Board, and Alderman Rasheen Aldridge, Ward 14, speak to members of the press on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, on the steps of the City Justice Center in Downtown St. Louis. After months of asking, three members of the oversight board who had committed the required training were allowed into the justice center to tour a floor and speak with Corrections Commissioner Jennifer Clemons-Abdullah.

Government, Politics & Issues

St. Louis Detention Facilities Oversight Board members finally meet with a jail detainee

Chad Davis

Members of the St. Louis Detention Facilities Oversight Board met with a detainee at the St. Louis City Justice Center on Thursday and explained how inmates can let the board know about their plight.