ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – St. Louis Metropolitan police spent $25 million on overtime in fiscal year 2025, a nearly fivefold increase from $5.5 million in 2012, as the department struggles with staffing shortages and a legal battle over its budget.
More than 380 police department employees made over $100,000 in 2025, according to pay data obtained from the city’s Department of Personnel. Seven officers earned more than $200,000, with their base pay doubled or nearly tripled by overtime hours.
Sgt. Robert Russo topped the list at close to $260,000. If he was paid time and a half on top of his base pay, he worked approximately 90 hours a week every single week last year. Officer LaQuesha Quinn made $247,000, and Douglas Eatherton, titled an administrative assistant, made $231,000…