LOUISVILLE, Ky. — (WHAS11)-Louisville Metro Police will be merging units in response to budget cuts and high retirement rates, Chief Steve Conrad said.
While the reorganization is still in its planning phase, Conrad detailed a few major changes in a memorandum sent to all personnel. Changes included:
- the Narcotics Division merging with the 9th Mobile Division,
- the Special Operations Division merging with the Community Services Division
- and the Fugitive Squad transferring from its current place in the 9th Mobile Division to the Major Crimes Division.
Conrad said the command structure of those divisions will change, and two major positions will be removed from his command staff.
"Our goal is to become leaner and more focused in our approach while still working to do what we can to meet the needs of this community," Conrad said.
Conrad said that while the changes are difficult, they are only the start.
LMPD has seen an increase in veteran officer retirements. At the end of the last fiscal year, Conrad said there were 1,260 sworn LMPD officers. Now, Conrad said there are 1,189 — and the number is expected to drop.
The chief is pointing at budget cuts.
"We know Metro Louisville is facing another $10 million reduction to pay the state for pension obligations," Conrad said. "That's another $10 million over the next 3 years, so $30 million. So everyone will face reductions, including the police department."
The changes are expected to go into effect on December 1st, but Conrad said that timeline could change is Metro Council is "able to find the resources that might potentially change the course."
Metro Council President David James responded saying it's not just about money.
"The mayor and the chief asked the council to pass a budget that had fewer officers, and that's what the council did," James explained. "As long as Chief Conrad is the Chief of Police, we'll continue to have a morale problem in the police department."
Conrad was under fire last month after he said he's not responsible for the morale of the department. He has since apologized.
While Conrad said he and command staff are working to change morale, a lot of the issues are out of their control. Conrad said the vast majority of officers are retiring due to pension.
"The big things are beyond my control," Conrad said. "There are frustrations over pension, frustrations over healthcare and frustrations overpay. Healthcare and benefits are up to negotiations, and the pension's obviously under the state's control."
Conrad said non-fatal shootings are up 7.5% from last year, and homicide rates have also risen. He said he believes combining the Narcotics and 9th Divisions will help combat violent crime that is often fueled by drugs.
"We will continue to do more with less," Conrad said. "I don't know if we have any choice."
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