LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Mayor Craig Greenberg on Thursday detailed a host of investments and reforms aimed at bolstering Louisville's police force, including funding for a new headquarters and bonuses to help recruit officers.

Greenberg’s announcements, detailed in a news release, focus on short-term strategies for improving public safety, as well as the "long-term organizational health" of Louisville Metro Police Department.

“Louisville wants a safer, stronger city with the best trained, trusted, and transparent police department in the country. Today I’m announcing sweeping initiatives to do just that,” said Greenberg. “These will improve the culture and health of our police force will also improve the health and safety of our entire city. To those who want to see big changes in Louisville, both officers and advocates alike, I want you to know that we hear you and we are moving in a new direction.”

Greenberg highlighted four developments he said will have an "enormous impact" on both LMPD and neighborhoods throughout Louisville.

New LMPD wellness center

Louisville has purchased a building to serve as the LMPD Wellness Center, Greenberg said. Located on Presidents Boulevard near Eastern Parkway, the center will feature state-of-the-art physical fitness equipment, recreation spaces, and men’s and women’s locker facilities.

It'll be far more than a gym, though. The LMPD Wellness Center will serve as a space that encourages officers to seek mental health assistance they might otherwise not pursue. In creating a facility that meets the needs of officers physically, mentally, and spiritually, LMPD and its supporting partners hope to assist and improve recruitment and retention for the department.

The financing of the Wellness Center was made possible by the Federal American Rescue Plan. The new facility is being purchased by the Louisville Police Foundation from the University of Louisville for almost $1,500,000, Greenberg said.

Renovations of new LMPD headquarters

Greenberg also said $14 million of Federal American Rescue Plan funding is being expedited to renovate the new LMPD Headquarters located at 601 W. Chestnut St. Bought for $6.8M in 2021, the building will put LMPD under one roof for the first time in a generation.

The funds will go toward fast-tracking infrastructure improvements such as roof replacement, elevator renovation, HVAC upgrades and electrical needs. This funding is in addition to the $13 million allocated to the project last year.

Reform advocates have previously recommended LMPD centralize their headquarters, adding that implementing any needed reforms will be more effective with a new facility that accommodates more officers.

“I want to move fast with strengthening our police department. Having a new headquarters and centralized police department will go a long way to ensuring transparency, accountability, and improve service to our community,” Greenberg said.

Signing and retention bonuses

To bolster recruitment and retaining efforts, Greenberg reinstated a bonus program for employees of LMPD, Louisville Metro Department of Corrections, Louisville Metro Emergency Medical Services and Louisville Metro Emergency Management Agency. Louisville had halted the bonuses at the end of 2022.

Pending a final vote from the full Metro Council of amendments approved by the Metro Council Budget Committee, Louisville Metro will be able to reinstate these bonuses immediately, and extend the ability to use them with recruits that sign on by Dec. 31, 2024.

The revised schedule allows for 50% of the bonuses to be paid upon the completion of required training and the remaining 50% paid after 12 months.

Greenberg also announced a new anonymous narcotics tip line that the Louisville community can use in the city's fight against illegal drugs. Citizens can call 502-572-2580 to notify LMPD about concerns in their neighborhood.