LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville has selected an independent monitor tasked with holding the Louisville Metro Police Department accountable to its promises of reform.
Mayor Craig Greenberg announced in a news release on Friday that the city has selected Effective Law Enforcement for All (ELEFA) as the independent monitor for Community Commitment – Louisville’s Consent Decree, following a process that included public input.
"This is a win for accountability, transparency, and our continued commitment to reform," Greenberg said in a statement. "We’re on the right track, and we’re going to keep creating an even safer, stronger, healthier Louisville."
As independent monitor, ELEFA will serve as a neutral evaluator of the Louisville Metro Police Department’s progress in carrying out the Community Commitment.
The group will report directly to the new Community Safety Commission and issue semi-annual public reports. ELEFA will also meet regularly with community members under a renewable contract with Louisville Metro Government for up to five years.
Louisville Metro Police released a statement, which said the department supports the selection.
"This is an important step in strengthening public safety and community trust. Independent monitoring will help ensure our efforts are measured, transparent, and understood by the people we serve. We recognize that real progress requires both responsibility within the department and strong partnerships with our community. ELEFA’s guidance will help us to continue building on reforms already underway. We remain committed to working with our community toward a safer and stronger Louisville," said the LMPD statement.
The selection followed a Sept. 15 public meeting where both finalist teams presented to residents and answered questions. Input from a community survey helped finalize the decision, alongside scores from a city-appointed committee.
Committee members included Deputy Mayor David James; David Kaplan, chief of staff and general counsel in the mayor’s office; Megan Metcalf, former deputy general counsel in the mayor’s office; Sen. Keturah Herron, D-Louisville; and Metro Councilman Ken Herndon, District 4.
The public’s first opportunity to meet ELEFA is scheduled for Oct. 14 at the inaugural meeting of the Community Safety Commission at the Louisville Free Public Library’s Main Library, 301 York St.
Status of Louisville's consent decree
Hiring an independent police monitor is part of the city's plan for police reform after the U.S. Department of Justice, under President Donald Trump's administration, dismissed two federal consent decrees—including Louisville's, in May. The sweeping police reform agreement was reached at the end of former President Joe Biden's administration, but needed court approval to progress—which had not yet been given.
Greenberg and Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey have pledged to continue with the improvements recommended by the DOJ, even if they're not mandated by court order. The plan is to do so by implementing the city's version of the agreement called "Community Commitment — Louisville's Consent Decree."
In June, Metro Council narrowly approved a resolution endorsing the consent decree recommendations in a 248-page DOJ report in 2023 that concluded Louisville police and Metro government for years engaged in practices that violated the U.S. Constitution and federal law, including excessive use of force and searches based on invalid warrants.
The Biden administration's Justice Department reported the findings of its review March 8, 2023, nearly two years after the 2020 police killing of Breonna Taylor, which prompted both local and national criticism of the police department as well as months of protests.
What the safety commission will do
The Community Safety Commission will serve as a forum for public feedback on crime prevention and police reform. It will receive updates on the Safe Louisville crime reduction plan and monitor its progress.
Commission members represent all LMPD patrol divisions and include stakeholders from the justice system, Jefferson County Public Schools, and community sectors such as faith leaders, crime victims, business owners, educators and medical professionals. The commission is co-facilitated by Misty Wright, executive director of community safety, and Chan Kemper, deputy general counsel in the mayor’s office.
The monitor will track reforms and report to the public on progress during scheduled briefings and through a dedicated section on LMPD's website. The monitor will also provide reports regularly to the new Community Safety Commission—which is part of the Safe Louisville crime reduction plan.
Previous coverage:
Public input sought as Louisville narrows search for LMPD reform watchdog
Public to weigh in on 2 independent watchdog finalists to monitor Louisville police
Louisville leaders to introduce 2 finalists for independent monitor of police reform
Louisville creates new 24-person commission to help curb violent crime
Louisville residents call for transparency, accountability in LMPD oversight monitor
Louisville Metro Council narrowly approves resolution endorsing DOJ police reform recommendations
Federal judge criticizes DOJ investigation of LMPD, indicates he will dismiss consent decree
Some question Louisville's ability to carry out police reform without federal consent decree
DOJ seeks to dismiss lawsuit against Louisville police, effectively killing federal reform
Louisville urges federal judge to sign consent decree to monitor police reform deal
Louisville mayor says outside supervision of police reform deal is 'important' however judge rules
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