LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Metro Government opened the application period Monday for an independent police monitor.
It's part of the city's plan for police reform after the U.S. Department of Justice, under President Donald Trump's administration, dismissed two federal consent decrees—including Louisville's, in May that were reached at the end of former President Joe Biden's administration but needed court approval to progress.
Mayor Craig Greenberg and Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey have pledged to continue with the improvements recommended by the DOJ, even if they're not mandated by court order. The plan is to do so by implementing the city's version of the agreement called "Community Commitment — Louisville's Consent Decree."
“I am pleased we’re taking this next step on our journey toward making the Louisville Metro Police Department one of the most trusted and transparent departments in the country,” Greenberg said in a news release Monday. “I believe accountability is important, which is why even when the U.S. Department of Justice walked away, we still moved forward with our commitment to implementing reform, and I look forward to seeing the diverse applications we receive.”
Last month, Metro Council narrowly approved a resolution endorsing the consent decree recommendations in a 248-page DOJ report in 2023 that concluded Louisville police and Metro government for years engaged in practices that violated the U.S. Constitution and federal law, including excessive use of force and searches based on invalid warrants.
The Biden administration's Justice Department reported the findings of its review March 8, 2023, nearly two years after the 2020 police killing of Breonna Taylor, which prompted both local and national criticism of the police department as well as months of protests.
The city collected data from community meetings and an online survey to help shape what qualities the city is looking for in an independent monitor, which is expected to be a group of people—likely a law firm or organization with a background in law enforcement oversight.
The monitor will track reforms and report to the public on progress.
Proposals are due by Aug. 4. To apply for the role, click here.
Previous Coverage:
Louisville residents call for transparency, accountability in LMPD oversight monitor
Louisville Metro Council narrowly approves resolution endorsing DOJ police reform recommendations
Federal judge criticizes DOJ investigation of LMPD, indicates he will dismiss consent decree
Some question Louisville's ability to carry out police reform without federal consent decree
DOJ seeks to dismiss lawsuit against Louisville police, effectively killing federal reform
Louisville urges federal judge to sign consent decree to monitor police reform deal
Louisville mayor says outside supervision of police reform deal is 'important' however judge rules
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