LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Preventing and reducing violent crime in Louisville is once again center stage as Louisville officials released their latest strategies to tackle the ongoing issue.
"Our mission is about keeping people safe so they can thrive," Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey said about the plan. "So that kids can grow up and be the best versions of themselves."
Officials shared the "Safe Louisville Comprehensive Violence Reduction Plan" during a news conference Wednesday afternoon.
The 36-page document identifies the areas in the city where the most crimes occur, and outlines a three-point strategy to deal with it: prevention, intervention and enforcement.
"To prevent violent crime from happening in the first place, and to protect public safety," Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said. "We have all city departments, so many community organizations who are on board to increase educational and job opportunities, provide more affordable housing, reduce blight and invest in traditionally underserved communities."
The document also mentions the economic impact of violent crime, noting that each fatal shooting "is associated with an estimated cost of $934,115," and a non-fatal shooting is estimated to cost $508,897. The shootings in 2024 cost Louisville taxpayers more than $308 million, according to the document.
Greenberg said gun violence isn't a problem that can be tackled with just one strategy. Instead, it takes collaboration. That's why many local nonprofits, including The ACE Project and Future Healers, are now part of Safe Louisville.
"Future Healers is about the whole idea of safe and healthy kids, and so is Mayor Greenberg's plan," Christopher 2X said. "That's why we're all here embracing for a better Louisville"
The Safe Louisville plan is designed to complement the Louisville Metro Police Department’s Crime Reduction Strategic Plan released earlier this year.
Wednesday, LMPD said its efforts are working. The data shows violent crime is down about 30%.
"All of the things we cannot do as police is what the rest of the administration will be focused on," Humphrey said. "It's important that you have an entire government that is focused on keeping people safe and creating an environment where everyone can thrive."
Here are some of the plan's highlights:
Prevention
Combat the root causes of violence and create peaceful conditions by providing:
- Public infrastructure
- Youth education and activities
- Economic stability
- Community resource connections
- Community trust in police
- Common sense gun legislation
Intervention
Stop potential shooters before they commit crimes by implementing:
- Violence intervention initiatives
- Conflict resolution alternatives
- Trauma and reentry services
Enforcement
Ensure laws are followed by providing:
- Law enforcement support
- Public order
- State and federal partnerships
- Justice system transparency
Under this plan, Louisville's Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods will become the Office of Violence Prevention. It has a new director and cut several programs.
The department will support the new strategies and vision outlined in "Safe Louisville" and will be led by interim director Jason Tatum until a permanent director is in place.
"We want to invest in the most effective programs," Greenberg said. "It should be working closely with LMPD. It should work closely with EMS. We believe, with this new structure and this new leadership, all of that will happen."
Safe Louisville's goals are to reduce gun violence and homicides by at least 15% per year and improve the community’s perception of safety and trust in police officers.
The plan will be administered by Misty Wright, executive director of Community Safety, according to a news release.
"Safe Louisville is about saving lives and creating meaningful change," Wright said in a written statement. "It calls for all of us to step up to the plate, learn from each other, and work together. With government, law enforcement, nonprofit organizations, and community members engaged, our future is bright. Together we can make the meaningful progress this city deserves."
A Community Safety Commission is also being established, that will receive regular reports on the plan’s progress. The commission will be made up of various stakeholders working to reduce violence.
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