LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville police are asking for a new helicopter as the department pitches its budget proposal to the city.
Louisville Metro Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel is asking the city for $238 million to run LMPD, a slight increase over last year.
Gwinn-Villaroel is working to move the department into a more technology-driven direction, and said her No. 1 request is the software and equipment to run it.
"Technology is where we are, I think technology is going to help us build a better police department," she said.
The department is developing an app that will help officers connect people in need to local nonprofits, but Gwinn-Villaroel said it will also help with recruiting officers.
"But at the same time, there are recruiting efforts, is afforded to an officer to say 'Do you want to join? Does one of your family members want to join?' And we can get that information in real time and shoot it back to those recruiters," she said.
The department's recruiting budget is $500,000, which is half of what it was last year. But there is more money for technology. The city's budget includes $8.4 million for computer software rental. Aside from salaries and benefits, it's the biggest item of the police budget. Some of those costs are related to the ShotSpotter technology used by LMPD.
Gwinn-Villaroel is also looking to put police eyes in the sky. She told the Council Public Safety Committee Wednesday evening that the department's current helicopter is so old, they can't buy parts for it.
"Getting this helicopter in place here, in order to help continue to fight crime by their visibility in the sky," she said. "But we cannot be without a helicopter, we're one of the largest agencies, the largest agency in Kentucky, so that is a must."
Several committee members expressed concern over the use of body cameras, specifically, the lack of use.
"I'll give you all the money you want, but some things are just priceless. And body cams not being on is one of those things," said Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins, D-1, who also chairs the Public Safety Committee.
The full Metro Council is expected to vote on the entire city budget in June.
Related Stories:
- Metro Council members raise concerns about proposed budget cuts to agriculture programs
- Under new leadership, Louisville Metro Housing Authority using city funding to remedy issues at Dosker Manor
- Greenberg budget plan slashes funding for Louisville conservation district, agriculture office
- Louisville mayor's proposed budget includes more than $30 million for affordable housing
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
