Mayor Greenberg Initiates Major Reforms at LMPD
Significant changes include a new interim Chief of Police and immediate changes to sexual harassment procedures at LMPD
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 25, 2024) - Mayor Craig Greenberg announced Tuesday that Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel has resigned from the Louisville Metro Police Department, effective immediately. Upon receiving her resignation, the Mayor appointed Acting Chief of Police Paul Humphrey to serve as Interim Chief of Police.
“Interim Chief Humphrey is fully empowered to make the decisions necessary to reduce gun violence, improve public safety, manage the department, take disciplinary action and implement the policy and priority changes we agree are necessary, particularly surrounding sexual harassment and police misconduct,” Mayor Greenberg said. He thanked Gwinn-Villaroel for her service and continued, “The people of Louisville expect all of us in public service to work together with integrity to make our city safer, stronger and healthier, and I am confident Interim Chief Humphrey and his team at LMPD will do that.”
“It is a great honor to serve in the role of Interim Chief, and I appreciate the Mayor’s confidence in me to continue moving the department forward,” said Interim Chief Humphrey. “Despite the change in leadership, our goal remains the same. I am proud to work with all LMPD officers and employees who are committed to continuing to protect and serve the citizens of Louisville.”
As part of Tuesday’s briefing, Mayor Greenberg and Interim Chief Humphrey also announced immediate changes to sexual harassment policies and procedures at LMPD, specifically focused on more clearly defining sexual harassment, improving and expanding the reporting process, requiring new training, and adding support systems for employees who report sexual harassment.
Clearly defining sexual harassment
LMPD employee policies have been updated to better align with the polices of Louisville Metro Government. This includes an updated definition of sexual harassment to clarify the differences between sexual harassment, sexual abuse and discrimination. Policies have also been updated to clarify that officers found to have violated sexual harassment policies will be disciplined accordingly, including potential termination.
New ways to report
Currently, officers seeking to report sexual harassment must do so through the LMPD chain of command, the office of the Chief, the Special Investigations Division or the Office of Inspector General. Now these officers have options outside of LMPD and can also report sexual harassment through a Metro Government ethics tipline or to Louisville Metro Government Department of Human Resources. The ethics tipline number is 888-226-2264.
Mandatory training
In the wake of initial sexual harassment allegations earlier this month, members of the LMPD command staff participated in new training for sexual harassment prevention and response. Going forward, all officers and staff will participate in new training that will focus on the updated sexual harassment policies, definitions, ways to report sexual harassment and training for supervisors who witness or are made aware of sexual harassment.
Additional support systems
The Mayor and Interim Chief also announced new support for officers who report sexual harassment. Investigation updates will be provided to these individuals on a regular basis. Additional measures to prevent retaliation will also be put in place.
“Let me be abundantly clear: LMPD will not tolerate sexual harassment. We are implementing significant policy updates. We have begun enhanced training and are revising and improving our reporting and handing processes,” added Interim Chief Humphrey. “Additionally, a variety of support systems are available for employee wellness including through our Summit Wellness Center. We are committed to accountability and fostering a safe work environment that is welcoming where all employees feel comfortable and secure.”
“This is the beginning of what I expect to be major improvements and transformative reforms at LMPD. That work is ongoing and there will be more announcements soon,” said Mayor Greenberg.
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