LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Mayor Craig Greenberg, D-Louisville, and the University of Louisville released a report which identifies and documents patterns of “institutional harm” related to marginalized communities dating back to 1778.

The report, "The History of Policing in Louisville: A Fact-Finding Report on Institutional Harms,” was commissioned by the Office of Equity. A team made up of historians, student researchers and a political scientist, delved into archival research, newspapers, organizational records, interviews, books and interviews to come up with their information. The group also received help from the UofL Anne Braden Institute for Social Justice Research.

In a news release, Greenberg said, “To truly move forward and implement meaningful and lasting change, we must look at the history of Louisville’s police and learn from the mistakes made.” He added, “While this is a painful picture of the past, I believe it can help point us in the right direction for our future as we make LMPD (Louisville Metro Police Department) the most trained, trusted and transparent police department in America.”

Joi McAtee, executive director of the Office of Equity, said, “Our vision for public safety should include solutions that address drivers of inequalities by examining the efficacy of policing and integrating historical experiences that improve traditional policing strategies.”

The 64-page report gives historical context to policing in the city and looks at potential steps to change what it calls “patterns of harm and abuse.”

Dr. Catherine Fosl is one of the lead researchers of the report and she said, “From harsher punishments levied against Black Louisvillians during slavery times to the segregation of patrol officers even 40 years after the police force desegregated to the disparate number of violent deaths of Black residents at the hands of Louisville police in the 21st century, our study revealed racial discrimination that is systematic, persistent, and inadequately censured. We simply need to do better.”

In the weeks ahead, Greenberg says community sessions will be held, allowing residents from around the city to share their thoughts and reactions to the report.

The mayor’s administration says it will take what it learns from the discussion to help guide ongoing efforts to improve and reform how LMPD operates.