John Hayden Jr.

Hayden was born in St. Louis. He received his Bachelor of Mathematics degree from Washington University and his master's degree in management from Fontbonne University. He was accepted into Saint Louis University School of Law and has completed over 50 credits in their Juris Doctorate program. He has also completed 15 hours of graduate coursework in theological studies at the Covenant Theological Seminary.[4]

Hayden joined the Metropolitan Police Department, City of St. Louis on February 23, 1987, where he served in the Fourth District. He also was assigned to the Vice/Narcotics Division, Fourth District Detective Unit and the Police Academy and Commander of North Patrol. He was appointed as Commissioner of Police on December 28, 2017 at a salary of $180,000 a year.[1][4]

As Commissioner of Police Hayden is responsible for planning, directing, managing and overseeing the activities and operations of the Metropolitan Police Department, including field operations, investigations, support services, and general administration. He also coordinates activities with other city departments and outside agencies. He oversees a department of 1,350 officers and 465 civilian employees with a yearly budget of $270 million.

Colonel Hayden is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi. He is a member of the Police Executive Research Forum, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Major Cities Police Chiefs Association. He has served as a deacon at Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis since 1998.