diff --git a/docs/setup-dev-environment.md b/docs/setup-dev-environment.md
index 50386a1a..163de079 100644
--- a/docs/setup-dev-environment.md
+++ b/docs/setup-dev-environment.md
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ echo $NODEJS_HOME
 Now we configure postgres. First ensure postgres is running.
 
 ```bash
-service postgresql start
+sudo service postgresql start
 ```
 
 Ensure the `en_US` locale exists.