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Metro Council approves FOP contract in 16-10 vote, sparking protests

Critics said the contract needs to include reforms for increased transparency and accountability of officers.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Metro Council approved the controversial Louisville Metro Police union contract in a 16-10 vote Thursday evening. It now goes to the mayor for his signature and will take effect immediately.

The contract, a deal struck between the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and city officials, has critics saying there's not enough accountability for police in the proposal.

It includes a $10 thousand raise for officers and added benefits, which the FOP said are intended to help the department recruit and retain good officers. 

Critics said the contract needs to include reforms for increased transparency and accountability of officers. 

Interim LMPD Chief Yvette Gentry has spoken in support of the contract and why she believes its necessary for officers to see that raise.

"A big issue that we have, if you look at the overview of situations where officers got in trouble, it's because they're out there working extra jobs, working overtime, working 20 hours a day to make ends meet,” Gentry said.

In response to the vote, Mayor Greg Fischer said,"This short-term contract represents an important step in providing the salary and benefits necessary to retain and grow the skills of our police department. Now, we will focus a long-term contract that includes the reforms necessary to address the challenge of police legitimacy and trust. That includes work already under way to diversify LMPD to better represent the larger community it serves and to foster a culture that promotes transparency and accountability – including changes to policies on search warrants and seizures, and random drug testing. The short-term contract approved tonight also includes a new housing credit program to incentivize officers to live within specific neighborhoods.” 

A group of protesters opposed to the contract marched through downtown Louisville Thursday night. Protesters have been in the streets of Louisville for nearly 160 days, calling for justice in the police killing of Breonna Taylor. Now, they are trying to change policing in the city.

Before the council's vote of approval, protesters were outside City Hall chanting for the council to "vote no" on the contract. They said justice is not being prioritized. Instead, officers will be getting a raise.

As council members left City Hall Thursday night, they were met with boos from protesters.

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