Chief Mokwa, Lyda Krewson and Political Activity?

This is not, in my view, a big deal. Still it is an issue worthy of exposure and discussion. It appears that St. Louis Chief Joe Mokwa may have inadvertently violated an internal police rule prohibiting officers from using their official authority in the endorsement of political candidates. At issue is an invite from the Friends to Re-Elect Lyda campaign which clearly lists “Chief Joe Mokwa” among the many supporting her campaign. The copy of the police rule I received is dated from 1994 but I talked with the St. Louis Police public relations office which verified this is still valid.

I am indifferent to Chief Mokwa and despite having been in office longer than my litmus test of 8 years, I tend to like Ald. Lyda Krewson. My posting of this information is not about trying to damage either one but simply to bring light to a reasonable rule and how it might easily get overlooked.

What I do not know is if he could be listed without the word “Chief”? It would seem it is the word “Chief” that determines his “official authority” that is prohibited. That is, if it were listed as “Mr. & Mrs. Joe Mokwa” then it would be doing so as a private citizen and not as the Chief of Police. I called Lyda Krewson for comment. Krewson said she takes responsibility, “I added the word Chief as a sign of respect.”

Again, I do not believe this to be anything but a minor oversight. This is, however, the political season for local campaigns so the lesson here is dot those “I’s” and cross those “T’s” — people are paying attention to the details.