Investigation of the Louisville Metro Police Department and Louisville Metro Government

By The United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division and United States Attorney’s Office Western District of Kentucky Civil Division

Following a comprehensive investigation, the Justice Department announced today that the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) and the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government (Louisville Metro) engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the U.S. Constitution and federal law. The Department also announced that it has entered into an agreement in principle with Louisville Metro and LMPD, which have committed to resolving the department’s findings through a court-enforceable consent decree with an independent monitor, rather than contested litigation. Specifically, the Justice Department finds that LMPD:

• Uses excessive force, including unjustified neck restraints and the unreasonable use of police dogs and tasers;

• Conducts searches based on invalid warrants;

• Unlawfully executes search warrants without knocking and announcing;

• Unlawfully stops, searches, detains, and arrests people during street enforcement activities, including traffic and pedestrian stops;

• Unlawfully discriminates against Black people in its enforcement activities;

• Violates the rights of people engaged in protected free speech critical of policing; and

• Along with Louisville Metro, discriminates against people with behavioral health disabilities when responding to them in crisis.

The Department also identified deficiencies in LMPD’s response to and investigation of domestic violence and sexual assault, including its responses to allegations that LMPD officers engaged in sexual misconduct or domestic violence. Deficiencies in policies, training, supervision, and accountability contribute to LMPD and Louisville Metro’s unlawful conduct.

Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division 2023. 90p.