LOUISIVLLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Tensions between the Louisville Metro Police Department and the city's Office of Inspector General's continued to simmer during a community meeting Wednesday. The dispute, which centers around a fatal police-involved shooting, has led to public disagreements between LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey and Louisville Inspector General Edward Harness.

At the weekly gathering Friday called The Bishop's Table, hosted by Bishop Dennis Lyons at Gospel Missionary Church on Vermont Avenue in west Louisville, the conversation turned to the recent fallout between the two city agencies. Dozens of community members attended the meeting, where many expressed support for Humphrey's leadership.

Harness acknowledged the difficulty of discussing the matter.

"It has been a challenging week for the inspector general's office," he said. "I've been struggling with how to discuss this whole matter, because we have to understand that this involved the loss of life, and it's very serious."

Harness' comments followed a recent dispute between his office and LMPD regarding the death of Omari Cryer, who was killed during a police operation in 2022. Harness has accused LMPD of providing false information in a search warrant tied to Cryer's death, allegations that have sparked heated debate. Humphrey, in a news conference earlier this week, refuted the claims made by the OIG.

"Recently, the OIG made allegations related to the Omari Cryer investigation that we believe to be inaccurate," he said.

Harness pushed back against Humphrey's remarks, criticizing the chief's approach.

"You observed the chief's immediate response," Harness said. "I will say that his personal attacks do not help move the conversation forward."

Humphrey responded to the dispute by saying he felt it was necessary to address the allegations publicly despite typically avoiding such back-and-forth.

"I would not normally come out and try to refute any of his allegations," Humphrey said. "I would look into him, and we would move on. But this is pretty inflammatory, and I think it's appropriate that we address it."

Despite the ongoing disagreement, Harness remains optimistic about the future.

"There are points we disagree on ... absolutely," he said, referring to the investigation into Cryer's death. "But, actually, as much negativity as surrounded this event, this is a step forward. It's a positive step forward, because we've gotten a response and we hope that those will continue."

Looking ahead, the group plans to invite Humphrey to next week's roundtable discussion in an effort to continue the conversation.

Related Stories:

Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.