The Justice Department has concluded an investigation finding Louisville (Ky.) Metro Police Department and Louisville/Jefferson County metro government in violation of laws protecting civil rights, including discrimination against people with behavioral health disabilities.
Investigators found several instances where the department violated federal law and the U.S. Constitution, including: use of excessive force, including unjustified neck restraints and the unreasonable use of police dogs and tasers; searches based on invalid warrants; search warrants without knocking and announcing; unlawful stops, searches, detains and arrests of people during street enforcement activities, including traffic and pedestrian stops; discrimination against Black people in its enforcement activities; and violations of the rights of people engaged in protected free speech critical of policing as well as discrimination toward those with behavioral health disabilities, according to a March 8 report from the Justice Department.
The department also found many issues within LMPD's protocol for domestic violence and sexual assault reports, which the department concluded was due to deficiencies in policies, training, supervision and accountability.
The investigation began in April of 2021. It is one of eight investigations into law enforcement agencies opened by the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division.