LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Mayor Greg Fischer (D) announced the launch of a survey where people can share their priorities for Louisville's next permanent chief of police. 

 

What You Need To Know


  • Fischer announces launch of community survey to help find next LMPD chief

  • Survey is online, will be available via phone soon

  • Survey asks for qualities people want to see in next chief, accomplishments

  • Focus groups also to be held across community

 

The search for a new Louisville Metro Police Department Chief follows Fischer relieving former LMPD Chief Steve Conrad of his duties June 1. Robert Schroeder is LMPD's acting chief in the meantime.

The survey will be available online for at least three weeks; however, the city is also working to set up a phone line for those who can't access a computer. 

“I encourage everyone to participate – especially those who have been protesting and those supporting them,” said Fischer.

The survey asks residents to share specific recommendations, including:

  • the top three qualities or skills they would like to see in the next chief
  • suggestions for improving police services
  • what accomplishments a new chief should make immediately and within the next two to three years

The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a non-profit Washington, D.C.-based police research organization, will lead the search for LMPD's next chief. PERF has identified best practice for cities across the nation for issues such as reducing police use of force, developing community policing and using technology to deliver police services. 

“One of the main directives that we gave to PERF is that the community must be involved in the search for a new chief,” said Fischer during a media briefing at Central Park. “So today, we’re announcing the launch of a community survey to get that started. We want to hear your priorities for our next permanent chief of police.”

While the survey gathers community feedback, PERF will also survey LMPD employees with similar questions. The survey for LMPD employees will come in an email from Chief Schroeder.

“The new Chief must be able to communicate and have trust with both the community and our police department,” said Fischer. 

The process of finding a new chief, which is expected to take four to six months, includes several other steps. Over the next month, PERF will host listening sessions with focus groups across the community. Then PERF will examine all the information provided by residents and pinpoint which qualities and characteristics are needed in the next chief. They will conduct a national search and develop a list of candidates.

A group of community and Louisville Metro representatives will then review that list, conduct interviews and narrow down the list before presenting their final recommendations to Fischer. 

Council President David James (D) said Metro Council will be involved in the process. 

“Starting the search process for a new LMPD Chief is a very important step in the right direction for our city,” James said. “I look forward to the community and Metro Council playing an active role in selecting the most important appointment the Mayor makes in his administration.”

 

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