John Hayden, a veteran of 30 years on the force, has taken over as St. Louis's top cop.
Lyda Krewson, St. Louis's mayor, and Jimmie Edwards, the city's public safety director, appointed Hayden to the position of police commissioner effective immediately. Hayden will take over from Lt. Col. Lawrence O'Toole, who has been filling in since April, after the former commissioner, Sam Dotson, resigned. As commissioner, Hayden will head a department with an annual budget of $170 million, comprising 1,300 sworn officers and 400 civilians.
Hayden rose through the ranks of the department, becoming a lieutenant in 1995, a captain in 2006, and rising to the rank of major in 2015. Most recently, he commanded the North Patrol Division, where from 2006 to 2013, he was commander of Internal Affairs.
Washington University granted Hayden a bachelor's degree in mathematics, and he earned a master's degree at Fontbonne University, with a specialization in management. He is currently working on a law degree at St. Louis University School of Law.
Hayden's vision is one in which the citizens and police work together to make the community safer. He wants the department to be accountable to St. Louis residents, and to view them as assets and partners in the effort.
Since measures like this are important to many, officials might consider working with a brochure printing company to create a mailer discussing the appointment.
