Average police response times for non-emergency calls in St. Louis have more than doubled over the past decade, a trend attributed by department officials to a significant decline in sworn officers and changes in departmental policies. According to a St. Louis Post-Dispatch analysis, response times for calls categorized as 'Priority 3,' which include burglaries and auto thefts, increased from an average of 20 minutes to over 51 minutes last year. For 'Priority 2' calls, such as domestic incidents or fights, response times rose from 12 minutes in 2015 to 31 minutes in the past year.
One resident, Casey Crocker, recounted an incident where he waited nearly an hour and a half for officers to arrive after calling 911 to report a person vandalizing his property. Crocker stated that he called at 7:55 p.m. and officers did not arrive until 9:25 p.m., after the suspect had already left.
Police spokesperson Mitch McCoy acknowledged that the department is experiencing frustration due to insufficient staffing. Between 2021 and 2025, the St. Louis Police Department lost nearly 300 officers, bringing its total to 843, the lowest number since 2007, according to FBI data.
Mccoy stated that efforts are underway to address the dwindling officer numbers, including pay raises and advertising campaigns to attract new recruits. The department has also implemented strategies such as diverting some 911 calls to desk officers who can take reports over the phone, freeing up field officers for more urgent calls.
Officials also pointed to changes in policy, such as requiring two-car responses for more incidents to enhance officer safety, as contributing factors to longer response times. An increase in the use of doorbell and surveillance cameras has also extended the time officers spend completing reports, thereby delaying their availability for subsequent calls.
Despite the increased response times for lower-priority incidents, McCoy noted that response times for more urgent emergencies have remained relatively stable. The city has also seen a decrease in reported crime, with a 16% drop between 2024 and 2025.
The challenges faced by the St. Louis Police Department are not unique. Data indicates similar trends across the United States, with total police staffing declining nationwide. For example, response times have also surged in cities like Nashville, New Orleans, and New York in recent years.