The US Department of Justice (DOJ) Wednesday released a report which found that the Louisville County Metro Police Department (LMPD) and the Louisville County Metro Government engaged in a pattern of civil rights violations. The report comes as a result of a DOJ investigation into the LMPD and the Metro Government following the death of Breonna Taylor, a Black woman who was killed during a botched no-knock warrant raid. The DOJ and LMPD agreed in principle to resolve the issues documented in the report.
The report found both violations of the US Constitution and US federal law. For the constitutional law violations, the report found that the LMPD violated the Fourth Amendment by using excessive force, conducting searches based on invalid warrants, executing search warrants without knocking and announcing, and unlawful street enforcement activities. These street enforcement activities include unlawful stops, frisks, detentions, searches arrests during traffic and pedestrian stops. Additionally, the report found that the LMPD violated the First Amendment with its responses to the 2020 protests against police brutality. Finally, the report found that the LMPD engages in discriminatory policing and unlawfully discriminates against black people in its enforcement activities.
The report also concluded that the LMPD violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by ineffectively or unnecessarily responding to calls involving persons with behavioral health disabilities. In addition, the report noted “serious concerns” with the LMPD’s responses to sexual misconduct and domestic violence in the community. The report asserts that the LMPD does not adequately investigate or respond to sexual assault or domestic violence complaints.
The report ended with 36 recommended remedial measures to improve the LMPD. These measures include providing new training, improving policies within the department, and establishing an external review panel.
In addition to the report, the DOJ announced an agreement in principle with the LMPD to “commit to work collaboratively and earnestly and with necessary urgency” to fix the issues in the report. The agreement commits the DOJ and LMPD to negotiate in “good faith” to reach a comprehensive settlement agreement.
The investigation into the LMPD began in April 2021. In response to the report and agreement, Attorney General Merrick Garland stated:
The Justice Department has concluded that there is reasonable cause to believe that Louisville Metro and LMPD engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the constitutional rights of the residents of Louisville — including by using excessive force, unlawfully discriminating against Black people, conducting searches based on invalid warrants, and violating the rights of those engaged in protected speech critical of policing. This unacceptable and unconstitutional conduct erodes the community trust necessary for effective policing. It is also an affront to the vast majority of officers who put their lives on the line to serve Louisville with honor. And it is an affront to the people of Louisville who deserve better. The Justice Department will work closely with Louisville Metro and LMPD to negotiate toward a consent decree and durable reforms that protect both the safety and civil rights of Louisville’s residents.
