Filed Date: Dec. 12, 2024
Case Ongoing
Clearinghouse coding complete
On April 26, 2021, the Department of Justice announced that it had opened a pattern and practice investigation of the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) to assess: all use of force, with a particular focus on use of force against individuals with behavioral health disabilities or individuals engaged in activities protected by the First Amendment; discriminatory practices in conducting stops, searches, seizures, and arrests; department policies, training, and supervision; and LMPD accountability practices. During the speech announcing the investigation, Attorney General Merrick Garland explicitly linked the investigation to LMPD's 2020 killing of Breonna Taylor, which sparked national outrage and protests. The investigation was conducted pursuant to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 and assessed law enforcement practices under the First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendments, the Safe Streets Act of 1968, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
On March 8, 2023, the DOJ released its findings and documented significant constitutional abuses, including: dangerous use of neck restraints against people who pose no threat; allowing dogs to bite people after surrender; conducting searches without valid warrants; racially disparate enforcement against Black people; discrimination against people with behavioral health disabilities; and inadequate response to sexual assault and domestic violence. The DOJ further outlined poor accountability and supervision within the LMPD and recommended 36 remedial measures. The City agreed to negotiate with the DOJ to reach a consent decree to be entered in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky and to be overseen by an independent third-party monitor.
As of September 22, 2024, the parties have not yet entered a consent decree with the court, and news reports indicate that negotiations are ongoing.
Summary Authors
Jonah Hudson-Erdman (9/12/2021)
Robin Peterson (4/23/2023)
Micah Pollens-Dempsey (9/22/2024)
For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69459983/parties/united-states-v-louisville-jefferson-county-metro-government/
Clarke, Kristen M. (District of Columbia)
Cooper, David G. (Kentucky)
Erem, Haley Van (Kentucky)
Henson, Calesia (Kentucky)
Killebrew, Paul (District of Columbia)
See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69459983/united-states-v-louisville-jefferson-county-metro-government/
Last updated Dec. 18, 2024, 5:30 p.m.
State / Territory: Kentucky
Case Type(s):
Special Collection(s):
Key Dates
Filing Date: Dec. 12, 2024
Case Ongoing: Yes
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
DOJ Civil Rights Division
Plaintiff Type(s):
U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff
Attorney Organizations:
U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
Louisville Metro Police Department (Louisville), City
Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government (Jefferson), County
Defendant Type(s):
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Violent Crime and Law Enforcement Act, 34 U.S.C. § 12601 (previously 42 U.S.C. § 14141)
Constitutional Clause(s):
Unreasonable search and seizure
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Plaintiff
Nature of Relief:
Source of Relief:
Order Duration: 2024 - None
Issues
General/Misc.:
Disability and Disability Rights:
Discrimination Basis:
Affected Race(s):
Policing:
Inadequate citizen complaint investigations and procedures