LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — While a federal consent decree is no longer looming over the Louisville Metro Police Department, city leaders are moving forward with a new layer of oversight.
The Louisville Metro Council is in the process of hiring an independent monitor to oversee LMPD’s activities, and residents had a chance to share what they want that oversight to look like.
LaCanda Martin was one of several people who spoke at a public listening session on Tuesday night.
“I’ve had two separate incidents where I know I was not protected, our rights are not being protected,” Martin said.
She said she hopes the independent monitor can be the accountability mechanism the city has long needed.
“No one is holding LMPD’s feet to the fire,” she said. “That’s what we’re hoping this will do. Yes, we have things in place, but no one has seen anything come from that. How many committees do you need for something that’s supposed to be a protection?”
Martin emphasized that her focus isn't on rehashing past incidents, but on ensuring future missteps are taken seriously.
“They know how they can punish us, but they don’t know how to protect us,” she said. “The protection is not there for us as citizens. That’s what we want to see — actual protections.”
The independent monitor is expected to be a group, likely a law firm or an organization with a background in law enforcement oversight. How the group will interact with LMPD leadership, Metro Council, and the mayor’s office is still being determined, along with the monitor’s official mission.
Participants at the listening session Tuesday were asked to identify three priorities for the new oversight team. The top answer — Transparency, followed closely by community interaction and commitment.
“They would also like them to have some experience with consent decrees, as well as someone from outside of Louisville,” one speaker said.
A second and final public listening session will be held Saturday, June 28 at 10 a.m. at the Newburg Community Center.
Previous Coverage:
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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