LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky’s largest city has a new police chief, and a prominent community leader shared his thoughts.
The Louisville Urban League, a historic civil rights organization, has strong connections to the city.
“We have been at this work for over 100 years, operating in the best interests of Black people and other marginalized populations, trying to ensure economic and social equity for our community," said Lyndon Pryor, president and CEO of the Louisville Urban League.
When Pryor heard Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg's (D) appointment of Paul Humphrey as chief of police of the Louisville Metro Police Department, he said he felt disappointed by the process.
"I was disappointed our mayor chose to not include the public and get the opinions of the people formally in a process that would allow them and all of us to actually weigh in on who is going to lead this most important position at this most critical time," Pryor said.
However, he said he's hopeful Humphrey will take the department in a successful direction, adding he hopes to have the opportunity to meet with him and learn about his vision.
"We need a good, stable, accountable, community-oriented, community-focused police department," Pryor said. "But I think the caveat there is, I hope the success he achieves is one that is rooted in the needs, interests and desires of the people.”
Pryor said he hopes to see community-centered change and transformation. Humphrey's ascent to leadership comes during a turbulent time for LMPD, with multiple sexual harassment lawsuits filed against the department. The department has also had to handle several high-profile events and investigations, including the protests over the death of Breonna Taylor in 2020 and a March 2023 U.S. Department of Justice report that found Louisville police have engaged in a pattern of violating constitutional rights.
A spokesperson for the Louisville mayor's office pointed to an interview Greenberg did Sept. 20 with NEWSRADIO 840, where he addressed the selection process. He said he has heard lots of community feedback since appointing Humphrey, much of which was positive, adding Humphrey's willingness to make tough decisions made it clear he was the right person for the job.
Spectrum News 1 has also reached out to the River City Fraternal Order of Police multiple times, who have not yet responded.