LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Metro Police Chief Steve Conrad announced a significant reorganization Tuesday due to budget restrictions and anticipated retirements.
"We will continue to do more with less. I don't know that we have any choices," Conrad said in a news conference Tuesday. "As a department, we are doing what we can do reduce crime and keep this community safe."
Conrad sent a memo to all personnel Monday, that was obtained by WDRB News. The memo outlines several major changes that will take effect on Dec. 1. Division mergers are still in the planning phase, but some of the changes include:
- The Special Operations Divisions and the Community Services Division will become one.
- The Narcotics Division and the Ninth Mobile Division will be consolidated.
- The fugitive squad will then be transferred to the Major Crimes Division.
"That's bad," said Robin Miller, a stylist at The HairPort at 33rd in the Portland neighborhood. "With less officers present on the streets, it's more likely for bad things to happen."
Conrad also said two majors on his command staff will be eliminated, but that cut will be made by attrition. He called the cuts the "first of many difficult decisions."
"The goal is to become leaner and more focused and still serve the needs of the community," he said.
Conrad said last year the department had 1,260 sworn officers on staff, with most on patrol. Current staffing is at 1,189, and there will be 75 to 100 fewer officers by the end of the fiscal year. No new employees will be hired until February. Two new recruit classes are planned by the end of 2020 adding up to 80 officers.
Conrad said the top priority for LMPD is patrol -- a priority he said is "where the rubber meets the road." The second priority is investigative follow up, which is when crime occurs. "Everything else is subject to reductions," he said.
Conrad said non-fatal shootings were up 7.5% from last year.
"It probably will get worse," said Bishop Dennis Lyons with Voice of Louisville. "And we know that. We know that."
Lyons is often seen at shooting scenes. He said it's important to provide comfort to victims' family and friends. With the changes happening within LMPD, he said neighborhoods will have to step up with community block watches and for community members and police to build strong bonds of trust.
"We don’t have a light at the end of the tunnel right now," River City FOP President Nicolai Jilek said. "Our budget situation is terrible and getting worse. When police fall short, when public safety falls short, it’s a tragedy in the making. Somebody’s going to get hurt."
More details and changes will be coming as plans are finalized, but the cuts come four months after Metro Council approved major budget cuts to city departments because of the city's pension obligation.
Unless Metro Council finds additional resources, Conrad said "we will be operating with less money than last year and making decisions based on that." He said with the city's $10 million annual obligation to the state for pensions all city departments are facing cuts.
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