LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville residents are invited to provide their input on the top-to-bottom review of the Louisville Metro Police Department.
What You Need To Know
- Louisville residents can weigh in on top-to-bottom review of LMPD
- Concerns, inquiries, questions can be sent to newly available email address
- Email will be available until review is completed
Those who want to weigh in can email LMKY@hillardheintze.com, a direct link to the Chicago-based consulting firm Hillard Heintze which is conducting the review. A press release from the Mayor's Office said the Hillard Heintze team will respond to all concerns, comments, and inquires sent to the address, which will remain active until the delivery of the report later this year.
“Transparency is integral to this review process, and we urge our Louisville communities to get involved, ask questions and feel a part of this process,” said Mayor Greg Fischer (D). “We thank Hillard Heintze for making this line of communication available to the public.”
Chief of Public Services Amy Hess said the email allows them to hear from the community.
“We’re listening to our Louisville residents and we’re working with a company that has an outstanding reputation in police reform. This is a great opportunity to hear from people who want to voice their concerns about policing practices and build transformative relationships between the community and LMPD,” Hess said. “We are focusing on creating strategic plans that will improve the safety and equity in our Louisville communities.”
As part of their broader review, Hillard Heintze representatives are making visits to Louisville, conducting interviews, observing trainings, and participating in ride-alongs with officers. When their report is complete, they will develop recommendations for an LMPD Strategic Plan which will include:
- Creating a new policing environment where LMPD and the community are equal partners in public safety;
- Recommending suggestions designed to reduce ose of force incidents and complaints;
- Increasing transparency and public confidence;
- Focusing on community outreach and policy efforts for LMPD leadership; and
- Finding new recruitment strategies and best practices to improve police officer workforce diversity.
The review by Hillard Heintze parallels the search for LMPD's new chief. Following a separate public input period, Fischer announced the police chief's job description and position profile after over 10,000 people responded to an online survey of qualities they think the new chief should posess.
The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a non-profit Washington, D.C.-based police research and policy organization, is conducting the search. PERF reviewed and analyzed information residents provided, identifying what qualities and characteristics Louisville wants to see in its next police chief.
The posting is open until Aug. 31.