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Community leaders react to LMPD chief being put on administrative leave: 'This incident will bring about a change in that culture'

Mayor Craig Greenberg said he put the police chief on administrative leave due to her handling of a sexual harassment allegation that involved LMPD officers.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Concern spread Wednesday night after Mayor Craig Greenberg put Louisville Metro Police (LMPD) chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel on administrative leave.

Greenberg said he made the move after learning about how she handled a sexual harassment allegation that involved LMPD officers.

"It's absolutely disappointing for the officer, whoever the officer is, involved," said Lyndon Pryor, president & CEO of Louisville Urban League.

He's upset about the situation.

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"While I know we have to protect the identity of those who have been harmed in this process or to those who may have been accused, I think that they can be perfectly transparent with regard to the process that has taken place," Pryor said.  

Gwinn-Villaroel has been the department's permanent chief for nearly a year. Pryor said the city has been demanding better policing and transparency for years.

"To consider that this is happening on the heels of them having received a new contract, it's just really frustrating from a community standpoint," said Pryor.

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Louisville NAACP president Raoul Cunningham said the allegation raises lots of questions.

But now that the mayor has appointed a special investigator, he is looking to see what comes out of the investigation.

"I think we have to wait and see what evidence or what conclusions that investigator comes up with," said Cunningham.

He hoped "this incident will bring about a change in that culture."

Deputy Chief Paul Humphrey is the acting chief as the investigation continues the mayor said.

Watch the full news conference below:

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