St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s office is understaffed

St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly  Gardner’s prosecutor’s office is understaffed nine months into her second term.

The St. Louis Post Dispatch reports that Gardner’s office employs just over 30 attorneys.

Five years ago, more than 60 prosecutors had worked for the circuit attorney’s office. Some of her prosecutors have missed hearings, showed up unprepared or quit altogether. 

Prosecutors across the nation are reporting it is difficult to find good hires and keep them.   Gardner, is the city’s first Black circuit attorney and  took office in January 2017 on a pledge to rebuild trust in the criminal justice system.   

The figurative “help wanted” sign hangs in the office window