St. Louis Public Safety

The former jail oversight board leader is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. Mensah says they were beaten unconscious by police while visiting the jail in 2023.

Looking back, Burris says he wishes he had formed partnerships sooner and expressed pride in serving his staff amid challenging conditions at the jail.

Outgoing Commissioner Doug Burris speaks highly of Ross despite controversy and leaves a staff of nearly 100 correctional officers at the troubled St. Louis Justice Center, where 20 detainees have died in custody since 2020.

On Tuesday, St. Louis Associate Circuit Court Judge Rochelle M. Woodiest granted Janis Mensah’s motion to acquit them of trespassing and resisting arrest charges.

Former St. Louis Detention Facilities Oversight Board Vice Chair Janis Mensah has written an open letter to Mayor Cara Spencer urging her to address jail oversight and to drop Mensah's charges of trespassing and resisting arrest. The petition has garnered nearly 600 signatures so far.

Upon leaving custody, ServSafe-certified participants are qualified to apply for jobs at restaurants, grocery stores and other food service companies.

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.

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.

In addition to the resolutions, the Public Safety Committee heard from acting Commissioner of Corrections Tammy Ross, who says her priorities for now include focusing on staffing and fostering partnerships.

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