LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville officials have released new information regarding cases listed in the Department of Justice's report on the Louisville Metro Police Department.
In the 86-page report released in March, the DOJ found Metro Government and LMPD engaged in a pattern and practice of conduct that deprived people of their rights.
More than 60 cases, between 2016 and 2021, were listed in the report.
- 14 were regarding officers using excessive force.
- 10 were about LMPD's discriminatory practices against Black residents.
- 6 involved search warrant violations.
Mayor Craig Greenberg and LMPD's Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel announced Friday a new website will provide new documents about the incidents.
"The mayor and I are committed to a police department where trust and transparency are cornerstone values, and today we are fulfilling a commitment we made to live up to those values," Chief Gwinn-Villaroel said.
The website contains both contextual and factual information including dates, officers involved, relevant arrest citations, and information on reviews and administrative reviews.
Greenberg said body camera footage in every case will be made available to the community within the next 60 days.
What happens now?
The mayor said the 62 incidents listed in the report fall into three categories that determine what investigative, corrective, or disciplinary actions may be taken.
About half of the cases, 33, will be reviewed by the department's interim chief to determine the next steps. Chief Gwinn-Villaroel said she will release her findings of the cases in 60 days, including the employment status of the officers involved.
Closed cases
These are fully adjudicated incidents in which a Professional Standards Unit investigation occurred and a decision on whether or how much discipline to impose has been rendered. 29 of the 62 cases fall under this category.
According to Greenberg, the Jefferson County Attorney has advised, by law, these cases are closed and cannot be revisited.
Some members of the community say though, that's not justice. Councilman Jecorey Arthur says it doesn't matter what kind of database the city makes, "I would rather have accountability."
"Other situations that's closed, can y'all please just say you're sorry? That'll help heal," 'Breeway' Activist Dee Garrett said. "I mean, we know, that people ain't gonna get justice, but just say I'm sorry, you know, and I think that can help."
Reviewed but not formally investigated
21 of the incidents listed were reviewed but not formally investigated.
The cases received a preliminary review from a sergeant or higher-up, also known as a "Blue Team" review, but weren't investigated by the PSU.
Greenberg said Chief Gwinn-Villaroel will be reviewing these cases.
Incidents that weren't reviewed
Greenberg said 12 incidents listed in the DOJ report were not reviewed at all.
Chief Gwinn-Villaroel will be fully reviewing these cases and determining if further investigation or discipline is called for.
Greenberg said his administration will also have to respect the constitutional rights of officers under state law and under their collection bargaining agreement when making final decisions on the outcomes of the 33 cases to be reviewed.
The bargaining agreement has prevented discipline in the past, and multiple community organizations have called for those negotiations to be publicized.
What cases will be reviewed?
Out of the 33 cases that will be reviewed by Chief Gwinn-Villaroel there are:
- 12 cases of use of force, ranging from the use of tasers, to police dogs, to unconstitutional restraints.
- Six issues with search warrants, where the warrant either lacked probable cause, was too broad, or applied to too many people/pieces of property.
- Three cases where police did not correctly knock and announce before entering someone's property.
- Two issues with street enforcement, where there is very little documentation, but they appear to have to do with traffic stops.
- One case of discrimination.
- Two cases of 1st Amendment rights violations.
- Six cases dealing with people with either mental or physical disabilities.
- One domestic violence case.
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