When I was sworn into office on January 7, 2019, the first piece of legislation I set a goal to work on was the Commission on Police Accountability Board ordinance.
I served on the board prior to being elected, and while serving, I found it to be an ineffective use of anyone’s time, as evident by the number of board members who repeatedly missed the meetings.
We were only authorized to review cases of police shootings after adjudication. We were also allowed to make recommendations as to the thoroughness and fairness of the investigation conducted by LMPD. However, the Public Integrity Unit always presented a compelling summary of their findings, and I don’t recall one time where we disputed what they presented. The real problem was, the cases that were presented were months, if not years, old. Even if we disputed the findings, the disposition was long completed and the case was basically closed.
As I worked on strengthening the current review board and began to update the existing ordinance, I felt the heaviness and gravity of the issue. As I researched civilian review boards and discovered the burden that board members would carry in understanding each case through the lens of a civilian and police officer, and as I learned just how much training and investigation must go into making a civilian review board effective, I mentioned to Metro Council President David James that I didn’t feel the timing was right and that I needed to put this initiative to the side for a while because it was important to me to get it right, instead of just putting something together for the sake of doing so. Plus, as a Metro Council neophyte, the legislation was too risky for my first one to tackle right out of the gate. I needed a few battle scars before sticking out my neck so far. Lol...Be careful what you ask for...battle scares...Oh, I now have enough to go around!
Let’s face it, some citizens look at any form of physical force by police officers in a negative light. Some who protest police brutality often fail to examine the resistance of a suspect and the dangers posed to an officer. On the other hand, some police officers fail to use de-escalation techniques to control a situation before resorting to aggressive misconduct.
An independent review by a civilian review board cuts both ways. It can serve as a positive tool to support the legitimate complaints by citizens whose claims of police abuse may otherwise go unnoticed, and it can assure the public that another set of eyes, unrelated to law enforcement, are on the police. An independent civilian review can also serve to clear an officer’s record if the officer is wrongly accused. Police departments should welcome an independent review of complaints lodged against them. It would display good will and instill a sense of confidence to the public. LMPD has nothing to hide, so allowing an independent review only stands to serve them well.
A blanket dismissal by police officers that citizens without police training and experience cannot properly investigate and adjudge police actions is disingenuous. The resistance on their part to have “civilians” conduct reviews of their behavior can be challenged by the notion that those same officers suggest that they can police themselves, yet bemoan, disparage and disrespect internal affairs officers who are often labeled and called “rats.” Law enforcement can’t have it both ways. A civilian review board would say to the public, as well as to good cops and internal affairs officers, that the goals are to ensure accountability and transparency in the complaint and investigative process, improve public safety by building trust between the police and the public, and be perceived as fair by members of the public and LMPD.
Fast forward to 2020, and with the various police shootings throughout the nation, particularly the death of George Floyd at the hands (or legs) of a policeman who held him down for over 8 minutes with his knee on his neck, and the no-knock warrant incident that resulted in the death of Breonna Taylor, the timing could not have been more perfect. It was the right time for me to pick back up the ordinance and get it updated to become an effective tool for the community and something that could possibly restore respect and trust in our police department.
So, on Thursday during the Louisville Metro Council Public Safety Committee, I introduced an ordinance creating the Civilian Review and Accountability Board and the Office of Inspector General and Abolishing the Citizen Commission on Police Accountability.
The Office of Inspector General will be separate from any other agency or department of Louisville Metro Government and will have a separate budget of $763,500; this appropriation is already designated in the FY21 budget through the Criminal Justice Commission.
The Inspector General (IG) would have the authority to investigate alleged incidents involving any members of the LMPD and any member of the public – and have subpoena power, which would require a change in state law. Duties of the IG may include examining patterns and practices with LMPD; reviewing policies, procedures and operations within LMPD; providing recommendations on improving operations to the Mayor and Metro Council; investigating complaints; and other operations as needed.
A civilian review board ordinance is NOT anti-police legislation. It is an ordinance that is pro-community, pro-accountability, and pro-police reputation.
A press release was issued by the Mayor's Office, and here are a few quotes about the creation of this review board:
“This independent review panel will become an integral component to rebuilding community trust and legitimacy, and it will provide residents with an extra avenue of police accountability,” said the Mayor. “I applaud the members of the work group for their commitment to transparency and look forward to signing this into law once approved by Metro Council.”
“The people of our city can be confident and thankful to the members of the work group who worked so hard to put this proposed legislation together,” said Metro Council President David James. “I commend Councilwoman McCraney and Deputy Mayor Hesen for their leadership. Now I look forward to the review, discussion and ultimate passage of this important piece of legislation by Metro Council. I also call upon the leadership of the Kentucky state legislature to please help usher through changes to state law to allow for subpoena power for Civilian Review Oversite of LMPD.”
Deputy Mayor Ellen Hesen said: “It’s been a genuine honor to have served as co-chair, along with Councilwoman McCraney. This draft legislation is truly a crosscut of community leaders’ opinions and recommendations, and echoes our city values, needs and goals.”
“Creation of a robust, sustainable civilian oversight system for LMPD, including an Inspector General and a civilian board, is long overdue. I appreciate the efforts of the community-based work group over these last few months and look forward to prompt approval of an ordinance. Metro Council showed a commitment to this work by appropriating funds in June. We now need to pass an ordinance and press the state legislature to enact reforms to enhance the work of the civilian oversight system.” ---Bill Hollander, Metro Councilman, District 9
And I said ---- and am still saying:
“It has been an honor to serve as the co-chairman of a workgroup involved in the establishment of a Civilian Review & Accountability Board. I am extremely proud of the collaboration, contributions and dedication of members of the work group. Together, we have created a mechanism for a fair and impartial oversight and review of citizen complaints and internal investigations conducted by the Louisville Metro Police Department. In addition, an Office of Inspector General is formed to conduct investigations independent of LMPD on behalf of the Civilian Review & Accountability Board. I’m confident it will be met with approval because it serves to protect and respect the rights of all citizens and police officers, promotes credibility and transparency, and encourages community involvement.”
 The Jefferson County Attorney’s Office has issued an advisory opinion stating the Metro Council does have approval power over the final collective bargaining agreement between Metro Government and the River City FOP.
Councilman David Yates' statement on FOP CBA:
"The Labor & Economic Development Committee agrees with the advice of our counsel; Metro Council's review and approval is necessary for ratification of all Metro collective bargaining agreements including the current Fraternal Order of Police's CBA. As a committee, we will move forward with our review and want to hear from the public. We will host a two-hour public comment period prior to Monday's Special Labor Committee to give the public an opportunity to weigh in."
President David James' statement:
"I applaud the Labor & Economic Development Committee for their attention to this timely and important discussion. As an equal branch of government, the Metro Council is vested with the responsibility of oversight."
To see a copy of the JCAO Advisory, click here.
The Louisville Metro Council will offer a public comment session for those who would like to speak on the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Metro Government and the River City Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #614.
The virtual session will be held on Monday, November 2nd beginning at 1:00 p.m. prior to the Metro Council’s Labor and Economic Development Committee meeting. It will end promptly at 3:00 p.m.
“It is very important for council members to hear from the public as we move through the process of discussion on the FOP Contract and this virtual session will be part of the official record,” says Councilman David Yates (D-25), who chairs the Labor and Economic Development Committee.
The comment session will be held virtually via WebEx Events and advanced registration is required. Each person will have three (3) minutes to speak.
If you would like to register to speak, the link to sign up will be available on the Metro Council Clerk’s website at:
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk
OR, CLICK here TO REGISTER TO SPEAK.
The deadline to register is Sunday, November 1, at 12:00 p.m. Please register with the name, email address, and phone number you will be calling from to ensure you are recognized. Information on the Clerk’s webpage explains how to participate in the meeting.
Non-participants can view the session live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 or on UVERSE at Channel 99. Proceedings may also be streamed live from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page at
http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2.
The public comment session will be live streamed on the Louisville Metro Council’s Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleMetroCouncil.
here.
 Election day is November 3 and there’s still time for eligible voters that wish to avoid potential exposure to COVID-19 to safely cast their ballots. Alicia Hurle, co-Director of the Kentucky Civic Engagement Table said the healthiest and quickest option to vote in Jefferson County is through the early voting process.
“It’s safe where you’ll be able to wear a face mask and socially distance from fellow voters and poll workers.
Early Voting Centers in Jefferson County:
- KFC Yum Center
- Kentucky Exposition Center
- Louisville Marriot East
- Kentucky Center for African American Heritage
The early voting locations are open through Monday November 2, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For the latest information about voting in the general election in Louisville visit the Jefferson County Clerk's website HERE.
 2020 has been a year we’ll never forget. Help us recognize and honor those who’ve had a special impact on your life this year. Behind-the-scenes or on the frontlines, help us say “Thank You” to those who’ve gone above and beyond – the Community Champions.
Nominate people who have done their part in assisting our community in any way, shape or form. Think of those who have made a genuine impact on either your life or the community at large. On our website, there are a variety of category suggestions. You can choose any person or individual at a business who works bravely in healthcare, delivery service, retail, or they can even be a loving parent! You can nominate more than one.
Submissions close on November 6, 2020. The winners will receive a $500 Amazon Gift Card, as well as gifts from the Kentucky Derby Festival and recognition as an Official Kentucky Derby Festival Community Champion.
 The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and Lacuna Health has increased staffing for its COVID-19 Helpline to even more quickly provide support and answers to residents and businesses with questions about COVID-19 – and to initiate the contact tracing process among those testing positive for the virus.
Louisville is in the red alert level status which means there are more than 25 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents daily. On Tuesday, Public Health officials announced the city added 1,888 new cases.
Metro’s Contact Tracing team is available to answer the hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days, and bilingual team members and language translation services are available. The number is 502-912-8598.
Residents, businesses and employees are encouraged to reach out to the LOU HEALTH HELPLINE (502-912-8598) if:
- They or a family member has tested positive and needs to know their next steps;
- They are waiting for a test result and aren’t sure what to do;
- They were in close contact with someone who tested positive and need guidance;
- They have questions about safely isolating, quarantining;
- They’ve test positive and want to ensure others they’ve been in contact with are notified of their risks by contract tracers.
  
 |
 |
Ensuring our parks are usable is more important than ever! We know that our environment can impact violence. This is even more so when there are limited opportunities for leisure and exercise. Help us keep our parks clean and beautiful by participating in a Louisville Loop cleanup on November 14. Our tree planting and cleanup aims to address an area of the loop and that has a reputation for being confusing as well as a bit of an eyesore. In order to adhere to COVID-19 safety regulations, RSVP's for the event are mandatory. Participants will receive a One Love Louisville t-shirt! If interested:
RSVP at 502.780.1794 or email joseph.newland@louisvilleky.gov.
 |
|
Mowing over leaves to mulch them back into your lawn is a great option for reducing waste. Mulching not only returns vital nutrients to the soil, but experts say that it can help your grass grow even better the following year!
Of course, residents with yard waste collection can also set them out in containers or paper bags. And all Louisville Metro residents will have the option to dispose of them for free at one of three drop-off sites beginning Tuesday, November 10.
Metro Public Works is offering a free leaf drop-off service November 10 through December 12. Drop-off will not be available on November 26 and 27 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Only loose leaves will be accepted. Containers used to bring leaves to the drop-off sites must be disposed of off-site by residents.
Leaf drop off sites:
Public Works Yard
10500 Lower River Road (enter from Bethany Lane)
Tuesday – Saturday
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Public Works East District Operations Center
595 North Hubbards Lane
Tuesday – Saturday
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Waste Reduction Center
636 Meriwether Avenue
Tuesday – Friday
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
|
 Take advantage of this opportunity to properly dispose of unwanted tires. Any Kentucky resident is eligible to participate in this event EXCEPT tire retailers, scrap/salvage yards, and recycling facilities. Check out this short video about the event.
November 5, 6, 7, 2020
Thursday & Friday, 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
1030 Phillips Lane, across from KY Exposition Center
Tires must be separated by type prior to arrival.
Accepted:
- Tires on or off rim
- Truck, light truck, and passenger
- Tractor and farm implement
- Bicycle, motorcycle, golf cart, ATV
Not Accepted:
- Foam filled
- Calcium filled
- Off road construction
- Rubber tracks
- Solid tires with or without press on rims
- Any tires generated outside of KY
- Tires from tire retailers, scrap/salvage yards, and recycling businesses
Questions? Call Pete Flood at 574-3290 or email pete.flood@louisvilleky.gov.
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/public-works/waste-tire-collection-event
This event is sponsored by Louisville/Jefferson County Waste Management District and Louisville Metro Department of Public Works, in partnership with the Kentucky Division of Waste Management.
Jack O’Lantern Spectacular
Saturday, October 31, 2020 • 7:00 PM - 11:59 PM EDT
Click Here to Purchase Tickets:
https://redpintix.com/events/jack-olantern-spectacular-10-31-2020
• Nightly illumination
• Entertainment for the whole family
• 5,000 illuminated pumpkins with more than 100 pumpkins carved into veritable works of art
• Presented, each year, in newly themed scenes, with music
• Proceeds benefit the Louisville Parks Foundation
Iroquois Park Entrance4800 New Cut Road
Louisville, KY 40214
Happy HOE-lloween. Come get spooky @ The PRIZM. Put on your best costume and join us 4 a night of Boos & Booze. Free JELLO shots all night!
About this Event
21+| Come out & party with us! Win prizes for scariest, funniest, HOE-lloweeniest and best couples costumes. Raffles & door prizes. FREE Jello shots & snacks all night. Spooky drink deals & a photo booth! It will definitely be a HOE-lloween to remember!!
 CarnEvil: Halloween 2020 at The Sports & Social Club - October 31, 2020
- Location: Fourth Street Live!
- 411 S. Fourth St., Ste. 180
- Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Join us for Louisville's most anticipated Halloween's celebration at The Sports & Social Club with live entertainment & more! Space is LIMITED! Dress to impress and enter our Halloween costume contest featuring over $1,000 in cash and prizes!
Costume Contest Rules
Contest runs on 10/31/20 from 6pm until judging concludes. One Entry per person. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Open to legal residents of the U.S. and D.C., excluding RI, NY, FL, PR, all U.S. territories, possessions, and overseas military installations, 21 years or older. Prizes consist of $500, $300, and $100 (total ARV $900). Odds depend on total entries received. Finalists chosen based on originality, creativity, and scare factor; Winners chosen based on crowd applause. Winners responsible for taxes associated with Prizes. Not open to Sponsor employees. Subject to Official Rules at https://bit.ly/3jIfO8r. Sponsor: Louisville Galleria, LLC,601 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202.
Have a group of more than 8 people? Please contact info@4thstlive.com for pricing.
Old Louisville's Most Haunted Scavenger Hunt
October 30 - 31, 2020
Noon - 4pm
As fall approaches and the days grow shorter, the spirits come out to play in the haunted neighborhood of Old Louisville. So, grab your friends and family and explore the neighborhood and the stories hidden within. This go-at-your-own tour starts at the museum Friday-Sunday between noon and 4pm. Participants who finish the hunt will receive a prize! The hunt includes 9 stops so be sure to wear your walking shoes! This hunt can be conducted anytime during the week as long as it’s during daylight hours. Prize can be picked up at the museum.
Today, Gov. Andy Beshear urged every Kentuckian in 68 red zone counties to up their game in the fight against COVID-19 and follow nine recommendations beginning Monday, Nov. 2, through Sunday, Nov. 8, to reduce the spread of COVID-19 as cases flare in those areas.
“This is a type of outbreak where we can’t deny our way out of it, we can’t rationalize our way out of it, we can’t try to find excuses for not following the guidance,” said Gov. Beshear.
Schools, businesses, community leaders and Kentuckians in red zone counties – published every Thursday afternoon on kycovid19.ky.gov – should follow the below recommendations the upcoming week.
The Governor said that new White House guidance suggests “current transmissions are linked to home gatherings,” where Americans are not as likely to wear masks around people from outside of their household. With broad community spread and transmission in the state, the Governor said it is crucial that communities work together to follow these new recommendations on top of existing requirements.
Case Information As of 4 p.m. Thursday, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:
- New cases today: 1,821
- New deaths today: 19
- Positivity rate: 6.04%
- Total deaths: 1,461
- Currently hospitalized: 969
- Currently in ICU: 234
- Currently on ventilator: 120
The Governor noted this is the highest number of new cases ever reported on a Thursday, and the third-highest number of new cases ever reported in a single day.
The top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Fayette, Hardin, Kenton and Warren.
Today’s red zone counties are listed here, alphabetically and by incidence rate.
In August 2016 Louisville Metro Emergency Services teamed up with Bullitt County, Oldham County, and Washington County to create a regional emergency notification system – Louisville Emergency Notification System (LENSAlert). Its enhanced capabilities include using all communications modes to send alerts – mobile phones, landlines, email, text, social media, IPAWS-OPEN. Take another step in being prepared for disasters and sign up for LENSAlert today.
 |
In addition to receiving notifications, individuals can create a Safety Profile for themselves and their household that can include any information they want 9-1-1 and first responders to have in the event of an emergency. When individuals make an emergency call, their Safety Profile is automatically displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker, allowing them to send the right responders to the right location with the right information. Information about medical history, allergies to medication, number of residents in a home and even a picture of the family dog can all be added to a Safety Profile.
Click Here for Frequently Asked Questions About Smart911
NOTICE: All Metro Council meetings are carried live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 and U-verse Channel 99.
The meetings are also available online at the Metro Council home page at http://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk. (Click here and click on the “Watch Meetings Online” button.)
OR access prior or current meetings here:
http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2.
TO ACCESS MEETINGS THROUGH FACEBOOK: CLICK HERE
Agendas for these meetings can be viewed using the following link:
http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2
Click Here to: View All Agencies
Click Here to Visit Website for Laws, State Legislators, Watch Bills, etc
Click here for more info.
|
