Louisville police to deploy officers in busy public areas, entertainment districts this summer

"LMPD is not sitting idly by and we are going to be very proactive in taking steps to make sure that people feel safe."

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Louisville police are putting dedicated officers in busy public spaces across the city to prevent crimes this summer.

Large groups have been causing problems at Waterfront Park and the Big Four Bridge as well as entertainment districts like the Highlands. To keep that from continuing, Louisville Metro Police is implementing a Summer Task Force.

"LMPD is not sitting idly by and we are going to be very proactive in taking steps to make sure that people feel safe," LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey said.

Twenty-seven LMPD officers will rotate monitoring entertainment and business districts like Waterfront Park, NuLu and the Highlands. They'll also be monitoring the areas they see the most crime.

At least 13 officers will be working seven days a week from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m.

"We will be locking kids up if they're fighting and being disorderly at Waterfront Park," Humphrey said.

LMPD is working with Metro Government and the Jefferson County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office to accomplish this.

"If we find parents being criminally responsible or have enabled children to face these felony charges, they're going to jail too," Commonwealth's Attorney Gerina Whethers said.

Humphrey said those causing problems on Bardstown Road in the Highlands could also see jail time. One weekend last month, LMPD passed out more than 60 citations in that area and made 20 arrests.

"If you can't stay out of the street and you can't follow the rules you're either going to be cited or you're gonna get locked up and we're probably going to tow your car too," Humphrey said.

The main goal is stopping the crime before it begins, something those who walk the bridge often are grateful for.

"I'm happy and I'm thankful that they made the decision to place more police officers in this area just to support everyone and keep everyone safe, I think it's a great idea," Emily Richey said.

LMPD said it has also been in contact with the Jeffersonville Police Department about patrolling the other side of the bridge and working together to keep people safe.