B. Public Safety & Emergency Services Update
- LMPD Updates for District 1
Mayor Craig Greenberg, during his weekly update on May 13, highlighted proposed investments in the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) as part of the FY26 budget.24 These city-wide initiatives include funding to support larger LMPD recruiting classes, acquisition of new and updated equipment such as license plate readers and cameras, and the development of a new LMPD headquarters.24 LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey also noted a significant decrease in work-related injury or illness days for LMPD personnel in 2024 compared to 2023.24 While these investments are intended to benefit the entire city, their specific impact on crime reduction and community policing within District 1 neighborhoods will depend on subsequent LMPD resource allocation and deployment strategies, which were not detailed in these general announcements. The 1st and 2nd LMPD Divisions cover areas within District 1.25
The previously announced “Safe Louisville” plan remains a key focus for the city. This comprehensive, five-year strategy aims to reduce violent crime by at least 15% annually through 2030, employing pillars of prevention, intervention, and enforcement.27 A critical component of this plan is the establishment of a Community Safety Commission, which will include representatives from each police division and various community sectors to monitor progress.27 Councilwoman Hawkins has publicly commented on the plan, emphasizing that building community trust will be a significant undertaking, requiring genuine engagement with trusted community leaders to bridge any existing gaps.28 This perspective highlights a crucial element for the plan’s successful implementation in District 1, where fostering positive police-community relations is paramount. The “Safe Louisville” plan itself acknowledges the importance of “building community trust in police”.27
Residents can access information about reported crimes through the Louisville Metro Crime Data portal, which is updated weekly. The most recent update noted for the 2025 dataset was May 11, 2025.29 This portal allows viewing of incidents within LMPD’s 1st and 2nd Divisions. The availability of this data provides a tool for residents to stay informed, though interpretation and context are often needed to understand trends. A new interactive crime mapping tool also allows residents to subscribe to crime trends and alerts for their specific police beat.31
Recent serious incidents reported in prior weeks continue to provide context for ongoing public safety concerns in District 1. These include a fatal stabbing in the Shawnee neighborhood (100 block of S. 41st Street) on May 3, to which LMPD Second Division officers responded 32; a shooting in the Russell neighborhood (26th and West Chestnut Streets) on April 2 that injured two juveniles and led to a juvenile arrest announced on April 17 33; and a standoff in the Shawnee neighborhood (4600 block of West Market Street) on March 4 that concluded with the suspect deceased from a self-inflicted wound.34 These events underscore the persistent challenges that public safety initiatives aim to address in the district. - Louisville Fire Department & EMS Activity in District 1
Mayor Greenberg’s proposed budget also includes initiatives aimed at enhancing Louisville Fire Department (LFD) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) city-wide. New funding is proposed to add medical professionals to the 911 call center. These professionals would be equipped to resolve certain medical calls via phone or video, thereby helping individuals determine the appropriate level of care and freeing up ambulances for critical emergencies.24 Additionally, the budget proposes funding for an emergency services drone program, which would allow for quicker assessment of emergency scenes.35 These measures, if implemented, could improve emergency response efficiency across Louisville, including District 1.
The Louisville Fire Department also participated in community outreach during the “BIG BOB Day!!” event in Preston Park (District 15) on May 17. This included a “Touch-a-Truck” exhibit and information on fire safety, demonstrating a model for community engagement.13 - Mayor Greenberg’s Public Safety Announcements
In his weekly update on May 13, Mayor Greenberg also recognized the heroic actions of three Pleasure Ridge Park High School students who rescued a person from a car in the Ohio River.24 While not directly related to District 1, such public acknowledgments contribute to fostering a city-wide culture of safety and community responsibility.
Leave a Reply