LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Former Louisville Metro Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel resigned on June 25 and there has been one lingering question - who is the next police chief?
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg joined WDRB Mornings on Tuesday and said Interim Chief Paul Humphrey has his full support and confidence.
"There is not a search right now," Greenberg said. "Interim Chief Humphrey is fully empowered to do the job as police chief and we are moving forward together as a team."
Mayor Greenberg said it has been a challenging few weeks within LMPD and it is also tough for the community.
Two sexual harassments lawsuits have been filed by female LMPD officers days of each other, which led to the resignation of Former LMPD Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel.
Mayor Greenberg said he and Chief Humphrey are working towards improvement within the police force as well as supporting its officers.
"We're going to improve our approach to discipline and our approach to identifying sexual harassment if it occurs, and then addressing it when it does," Greenberg said. "There's always room for improvement."
Mayor Greenberg said he is also working towards reducing crime in the city, which continues to be a problem. The city is looking to hire 250 more police officers.
Louisville Metro Council recently passed Mayor Greenberg's $1.1 billion city budget, which included a raise to all police officers.
The city is also working on programs for young kids and investing in city parks and libraries.
Mayor Greenberg said he believes the first draft of the consent decree will be finished by the end of the year.
After that, it will move to negotiations and approvals within the Department of Justice.
"It's a complicated document of complicated issues," Greenberg said. "We want to make sure we get it right so that it's very clear on what the expectations are."
As Louisville moves forward with Interim Chief Humphrey, Mayor Greenberg emphasized the city's commitment to improving the police force and supporting the community.
Related Stories:
- Louisville police chief said she leaves with 'heavy heart' after mayor asked for her resignation
- Louisville police chief resigns amid sexual harassment lawsuits, interim chief named
- LMPD's acting police chief shares what Louisville needs to do to curb violent crime
- Last 18 years have prepared Paul Humphrey to step into position of LMPD's acting chief
- LMPD chief had 'deeply concerning' response to major's sexual harassment allegation, attorney says
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
