The Justice Department issued a harsh rebuke of the Louisville, Kentucky, police department Wednesday, alleging the department discriminates against black and mentally ill people.
The report alleges that police "engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the U.S. Constitution and federal law." It accuses the department of violating a number of people's rights.
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The Justice Department said the police department uses excessive force, conducts searches based on invalid warrants, unlawfully executes warrants without knocking and announcing, unlawfully stops, searches, detains, and arrests people, and violates the rights of people engaged in protected speech critical of policing, in addition to discriminating against black and mentally ill people.
"This conduct is unacceptable. It is heartbreaking. It erodes the community trust necessary for effective policing. And it is an affront to the vast majority of officers who put their lives on the line every day to serve Louisville with honor. And it is an affront to the people of Louisville, who deserve better," Attorney General Merrick Garland said at a press conference Wednesday.
"Louisville Metro and LMPD have also failed to provide police officers and other employees with the support and resources that they need to do their jobs effectively and lawfully," he added.
The Justice Department also announced that it signed an agreement with the city of Louisville and the Louisville Metro Police Department to implement changes and "negotiate a legally binding consent decree with an independent monitor."
Garland commended actions the police department has already taken to reform itself but said more must be done.
"The Justice Department recommends 36 remedial measures that provide a starting framework for changes that are necessary to improve public safety, build community trust, and comply with the Constitution and federal law. To the officers of LMPD: The Justice Department is acutely aware of the integral role that law enforcement officers play in our society and the dangers you face to keep your community safe. So, it is imperative that your police department sets you up for success," Garland said.
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The investigation into LMPD was launched in April 2021, over a year after the death of Breonna Taylor.
Taylor was shot in March 2020 while police were conducting a search of her apartment in relation to a drug-dealing investigation.