LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey said LMPD does not work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on civil immigration enforcement, emphasizing that the department’s focus remains on local public safety and building trust within the community.
Speaking on WDRB Mornings on Tuesday, Humphrey said LMPD regularly partners with federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, DEA and ATF, but not ICE.
“We don’t do civil enforcement. We don’t do local civil enforcement, let alone federal civil enforcement,” Humphrey said. “Our job is to keep Louisville safe, and when people call the police when they need help, I want them to know they’re getting officers they can trust and rely on.”
Solving violent crimes
Humphrey also addressed the challenge of solving violent crimes, noting that a lack of witness cooperation is one of the biggest obstacles investigators face. He pointed to high-profile unsolved cases, including the fatal shooting of Redaja Williams at a bus stop on the first day of school.
“Often what we need is that critical witness who’s willing to put their name on it,” Humphrey said. “Unfortunately, that’s a scary prospect for people.”
He said fear of retaliation can keep witnesses from coming forward, even though police take steps to protect those who provide information. Building trust in neighborhoods, he said, is key to solving crimes and holding offenders accountable.
Humphrey highlighted LMPD’s anonymous tip line as a critical tool in investigations. He said the department received more than 7,600 tips last year, which detectives are required to review and vet.
“We know with 100% certainty that there are several major crimes that have been solved off the tip line,” Humphrey said.
The chief also addressed ongoing concerns about property crime, including vehicle break-ins and burglaries, noting that no neighborhood is immune. Humphrey recently experienced a break-in at his own home, reinforcing the message that residents must take steps to protect themselves.
“Crimes of opportunity happen all the time,” he said. “We all have a role to play in our own safety.”
Humphrey encouraged residents to lock vehicles and homes, stay alert, and report suspicious activity. He said video from doorbell and security cameras has become increasingly helpful in identifying suspects and building stronger cases.
Louisville police oversight
Finally, Humphrey discussed the multiple layers of oversight facing LMPD, including the independent monitor and the Office of Inspector General. He said the feedback and data gathered through those processes can be beneficial when used correctly.
“At the end of the day, it’s about using the right information to help officers do their jobs better, safer and more efficiently,” Humphrey said. “That’s what officers signed up to do — keep people safe and catch bad guys.”
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