LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- After two officers were shot during a stop involving a stolen SUV Tuesday night, the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) has launched a new crime reduction plan aimed at tackling violence and rebuilding trust with the community.

“We also recognize that violent crime is bigger than the police department,” LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey said, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach.  

Currently, LMPD is down more than 250 officers, but Humphrey says the department remains committed to addressing crime through strategic initiatives.  

“It’s extremely important that the community and officers know how we are going to address crime,” Humphrey said.  

 The department is focusing on three main areas:

  1. Data-Driven Policing -- Quickly responding to crime hotspots.
  2. Violent Offender Enforcement -- Zeroing in on the individuals driving violence.
  3. Sustained Community Improvements -- Tackling long-term problems like urban blight, vacant buildings and lots, unemployment, and crime.
Download PDF Louisville Metro Police Crime Reduction Strategic Plan

A major part of the plan, called Area Focused Improvements (AFI), targets neighborhoods with high numbers of police calls for serious offenses.  

Some of the areas identified for that approach include the following geographic areas:

  • West Broadway to Market
  • South 22nd to South 28th
  • Broadway to River Road, between South Jackson and South 14th,
  • Park Hill neighborhood.
  • East Southland Boulevard to Badger Avenue, spanning Douglas Park to Southside Drive.
  • Industrial Boulevard to Preston Highway.

“We understand community concerns when it comes to crime and safety, and how important that is to everyone, no matter where you live in Louisville,” said Detective Erica McKinley.  

Antonio Taylor, who runs the youth program "Hip Hop Into Learning" in Park Hill, is optimistic about the plan's potential.  

“This is a community full of love. It’s full of kids who really want to be reached. For them to be that great change, they need to see it,” Taylor said.  

Ty-Eisha Williams, owner of Divinity Beauty School on Preston Highway, echoed the need for a safer environment, noting troubling incidents in her area.  

“I’ve had students pull up in the morning and tell me there’s a used needle in our parking lot,” Williams said.  

Both Taylor and Williams said they hope LMPD’s plan will emphasize stronger relationships between officers and the neighborhoods they serve.  

“What I would really, really plead with LMPD to do is have real community engagement,” Taylor said. “Know the people in the community. Touch the kids.”  

“I want to feel safe in my community, knowing that patrolling is happening where we are," Williams said.

LMPD's plan is part of a broader effort to restore safety and rebuild trust, with ongoing adjustments expected as the department continues its work.  

LMPD says its new 20-page strategy isn’t just about enforcement, it's about working with the community. Police officers want to work with residents to identify and address the root causes of crime, and make a real difference.

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