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Louisville Police Dept. Facing Federal Probe Into Practices

AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool

Federal Justice Department investigators will be reviewing the "patterns and practices" of Louisville Metro Police.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland says the U.S. Justice Department civil rights probe will look into whether the department has engaged in unreasonable force, including toward those involved in "peaceful or expressive activities." It will also examine whether the department relies on unconstitutional stops, unlawfully executes search warrants on private homes, or engages in discrimination based on race.

Garland outlined the options should the comprehensive review uncover problems.

"If violations are found, the Justice Department will aim to work with the city and police department to arrive at a set of mutually agreeable steps that they can take to correct and prevent unlawful patterns or practices," the top law enforcement official said. "If an agreement cannot be reached, the Justice Department has the authority to bring a civil lawsuit seeking injunctive relief to address the violations."

The announcement follows news of a similar review underway in Minneapolis, where a jury recently found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of the murder of George Floyd.

Garland said the reforms LMPD has already implemented since the death of Breonna Taylor in 2020 will be taken into consideration during the wide-ranging investigation.

This is a developing story.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.