FRANKFORT, Ky. — Speaking to a legislative committee Wednesday, Board Chair Jennifer Green emphasized that the role of Louisville’s civilian review and accountability board is largely "advisory.” 

What You Need To Know

  • The chair of Louisville's civilian review and accountability board and new inspector general spoke to lawmakers Wednesday

  • A city ordinance established the board in November 2020

  • Leaders say the the board's role is to "increase citizen involvement in the investigation and review of allegations of police misconduct" within LMPD

  • The board chair testified that the board has undergone 40 hours of training, including accompanying LMPD officers on patrol

"I think there’s sometimes the perception that we are making decisions that implicate officers’ freedom, liberty, their ability to remain gainfully employed and I just want to highlight that we are very aware of the four corners of the ordinance that gives us our power of oversight and have no intention of crossing that boundary," she said.

Green told lawmakers that the 11-member board has not reviewed any complaints yet, but will review reports of investigations by recently-named Inspector General Edward Harness and closed internal police investigations into police shooting cases.

The board will advise the mayor, Metro council and police chief and recommend changes in policy, training and procedures, according to Green. 

"We’re all here because we are committed to the mission of strengthening community and law enforcement relations and bringing transparency and visibility into the perspectives of a cross-section of the community, including law enforcement," she said. 

Sen. Danny Carroll (R, Benton) said he remained skeptical about the board and that change would have to come from within the police department. 

"The concern is that even though you say that what comes out of this will be recommendations, without doubt, there will be pressure on the upper administration to follow the recommendations," said Carroll. 

Rep. John Blanton (R, Salyersville) shared concerns about the board's potential impact on the police department. 

"I think your hearts are in the right place, I really do, but I also know this serves as a potential of causing some individuals that may go into law enforcement or may want to come to LMPD (Louisville Metro Police Department) to think twice about it because of unfortunately, of things they’ve seen in other areas with these type of boards," said Blanton. 

Rep. Jason Nemes (R, Louisville) asked if officers would have the right to defend themselves before the board. 

"Absolutely," replied Harness. "The officers are, will be afforded all procedural due process, in accordance with their collective bargaining agreement and all other procedural due processes as being a Metro Louisville employee.” 

Green told lawmakers that board members have undergone 40 hours of training, including accompanying LMPD officers on patrol. 

Related Stories