ST. LOUIS–For the first time in the city’s history, St. Louis now has a police chief who came to the department from outside the city. Monday marked the first day on the job for Chief Robert Tracy, who was most recently Chief of Police for Wilmington, Del.

City officials said Tracy would not be talking to the media on his first day, but would be taking time to meet with department leadership, rank and file officers, and community members as he gets familiar with St. Louis. When he was hired, he pledged to visit each city neighborhood in search of community partners.

What You Need To Know

  • Chief Robert Tracy most recently ran the Wilmington (Del.) Police Department
  • He held positions in the New York Police Department and Chicago Police Department
  • He will be paid a total of $275,000 annually

A city spokesman said Tracy sent a letter out to his new department, which read in part: 

"It is a true honor to be appointed to this position, and I am eager for the days, weeks and months ahead as we embarg upon the next chapter of this organization and its service to St. Louis. The time I have spent in St. Louis already has shown me just how much this city has to offer and just how invested members of the community are in its success. There is a palpable sense of hope and potential that has been common in each of the conversations and meetings I have had, and it has quickly become clear just how many stakeholders are rooting for the success of our department."

"In the weeks and months to come, we will work together to roll out a number of new strategies and initiatives and will call upon each of your to take a leadership role - regardless of rank or assignment- as we work together to address the plague of violent crime that has affected St.Louis and so many cities like ours. And while there is hard work ahead of us, I am confident you will find fulfillment and reward as we achieve our objectives and make St. Louis safer for everyone in our city," Tracy continued.

Tracy will be sworn into office in a private ceremony Monday. He'll be paid $175,000 by the city, with an additional $100,000 coming from the St. Louis Police Foundation.