LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The chief of police position for Louisville is officially posted. Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced Monday the posting comes after weeks of gathering information from more than 10-thousand people.
What You Need To Know
- Applications now being accepted
- Former chief Steve Conrad was fired in June. Robert Schroeder is interim chief
- Community response says they want a chief to be a good communicator and accountable
- A national search firm is helping to fill the position
The Washington DC-based "Police Executive Research Forum" (PERF) has been selected to lead the national search for the new chief. Fischer says the community polling found the three top qualities to look for in a new police leader are accountability, good communicator, and someone who is an "inspirational leader."
Chief of public safety Amy Hess said there were common themes when listening to the community and they included a focus on de-escalation strategies, greater autonomy, and some surveys referenced defunding or abolishing the police. Hess said several people would prefer a police chief without any ties to Louisville.
Fischer said he wants to see someone who can make Louisville better.
"How can our police officers be seen as guardians and peacemakers beyond the work they are doing right now and how do people and citizens have more trust in the police department.”
The position will remain open until August 31. The search for a new chief is expected to take four to five months.