LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- With over 115 homicides this year, Louisville's new police chief said violent crime has to stop.

Paul Humphrey is the sixth chief in four years for the Louisville Metro Police Department.

"Sorry that we had to go through a lot of leadership to get where we need to be at now," said Louisville resident Pamela Wells. "But things happen and we need to move forward."

Wells keeps up with the department's leadership changes.

"My mother got murdered when I was young," Wells said. "She was in Louisville. I was young. I was about five."

Wells believes Humphrey's vision will reduce violent crime.

"He's really in tune with the city," Wells said. "He's in tune with the West End, as I can see, and really humble."

Humphrey plans to focus on current crime through data responsive policing.

On Friday, he said LMPD will identify violent crime micro-locations, assign officers to be visible in those locations and move around more often.

"I think there should be more safety on the bus stops, more safety everywhere," Wells said. "Because, you know, it's getting dark earlier."

Humphrey's plan also includes getting repeat violent offenders off the streets.

The enforcement LMPD plans to use includes a prohibited firearm possessor program, a violent offender warrant service and group violence intervention.

"They're in jail, once they get out, they don't know which way to turn," Wells said. "Left or right? So they need to have open programs, and it's hard for them to find jobs when people slam the door in their face."

LMPD also plans on building interactions and trust within the community at more public events.

"I just hope he does right. You know, get the crime down," Javonte Brown, said, who works downtown and also looks forward to new leadership.

Humphrey plans to reduce violent crime in Louisville one step at a time.

"We just need to look out for one another," Wells said. "Because when I was coming up, neighbors were neighbors. They look out for you."

Humphrey has reorganized LMPD's command staff, changing 16 of the 24 positions.

It's all in an effort to strengthen the department.

Related Stories:

Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.