A nearly two-year civil rights investigation into the Louisville, Kentucky, police department and Louisville Metro Government, touched off by the killing of Breonna Taylor, found the city and law enforcement engaged in a pattern of unlawful and discriminatory conduct, depriving people of their constitutional liberties, the Department of Justice announced on Wednesday."This conduct is unacceptable and it is heartbreaking," Attorney General Merrick Garland said at a press conference, outlining a damning portrait of the Louisville police as he announced the findings of the civil rights investigation."It erodes the community trust necessary for effective policing. 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," Garland said.He said that Louisville has signed an agreement in principle with the DOJ to negotiate toward a legally binding consent decree that will include the appointment of an independent monitor to oversee a series of reforms to address the problems that investigators uncovered.The DOJ plans to hold a virtual community meeting on Wednesday night to discuss their findings with Louisville residents.The department launched its pattern or practice investigation into the Louisville police in April 2021, more than a year after the botched raid that resulted in Taylor's shooting death in her home, which spurred nationwide protests along with the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota.According to the DOJ's report released Wednesday, one police leader told investigators that Taylor's death "was a symptom of problems that we have had for years."The DOJ's review, based on hundreds of interviews, thousands of documents and thousands of hours of body-worn camera footage, found Louisville officers routinely used excessive force in arrests, including unjustified neck restraints and wrongful use of police dogs and tasers.The police department also conducted searches based on "invalid warrants," the review found, and officers unlawfully executed search warrants without knocking and announcing.A photo of Breonna Taylor is seen among other photos of women who have lost their lives as a result of violence during the 2nd Annual Defend Black Women March in Black Lives Matter Plaza, July 30, 2022, in Washington, D.C.Leigh Vogel/Getty Images, FILE"For years, [the Louisville police department] has practiced an aggressive style of policing that it deploys selectively, especially against Black people, but also against vulnerable people throughout the city," the report stated. "Some officers have videotaped themselves throwing drinks at pedestrians from their cars; insulted people with disabilities; and called Black people 'monkeys,' 'animal,' and 'boy.'"The federal review found police officers conducted unlawful stops and arrests of suspects and that the department routinely discriminated against Black people in their enforcement actions. The department and city also were found to have discriminated against people who had behavioral health disabilities when they were in crisis, the report stated.Investigators singled out members of a specialized group in the department that was once called the "Viper Unit." Those officers were found to have routinely made dubious traffic stops in Black neighborhoods and violated residents' Fourth Amendment rights, according to the report."The unit's activities were part of an overall enforcement approach that resulted in significant and unlawful racial disparities," Garland said at the press conference.The DOJ investigation further found that Louisville police leaders "endorsed and defended" unlawful conduct by their officers, with some supervisors accused of defending instances of obviously excessive force or search warrants that lacked probable cause.Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks during a press conference on the Justice Departments findings of the civil rights investigation into the Louisville Metro Police Department and Louisville Metro Government, March 8, 2023, in Louisville, Ky.Luke Sharrett/AFP via Getty ImagesLast August, Garland announced civil rights charges against four Louisville police officers for a range of alleged offenses in connection with Taylor's death, including unlawful conspiracies, unconstitutional use of force and obstruction.One of those officers, former Louisville Detective Kelly Goodlett, has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to violate Taylor's civil rights while the others, Sgt. Kyle Meany and Joshua Jaynes and Brett Hankison, both former detectives, have pleaded not guilty.The DOJ's Civil Rights Division head, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, said at Wednesday's press conference that their investigation found disturbing disparities in how Black residents were treated by police in comparison with white residents.Black drivers were nearly four times as likely as white drivers to be cited for improperly tinted windows and nearly five times as likely as white drivers to be cited for improper tags, with Black drivers almost 50% more likely to be searched when stopped by police in their cars than white people, Clarke said.Louisville police brought charges against Black people at higher rates than white people for the same misdemeanor offenses, she said."For example, [the Louisville police department] charges Black people for loitering more than four times the rate of white people, for disorderly conduct two-and-a-half times the rate of white people and for littering at three times the rate of white people," Clarke said. "This pattern of racial discrimination fuels distrust and impedes the community's confidence in the [police] and their law enforcement operations."The DOJ expects to continue working with Louisville police and the city government on a host of reforms to their law enforcement practices, including some that have already been implemented in the years following Taylor's killing.The newly released report outlines more than 30 recommendations for the department and city to implement, including structural changes to its use-of-force policies and reporting and an overhaul of their training protocols.

The family of Breonna Taylor is reacting to the news of what federal officials uncovered just days before the three-year anniversary of her death. LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Two years after a federal civil rights probe into the patterns and practices of Louisville Metro Police was launched, reaction has been swift from the community. The family of Breonna Taylor is reacting to the news just days before the three-year anniversary of her death. This investigation is separate from the Department of Justice’s investigation into Taylor’s death, but she was still on the minds of many Wednesday. Attorney General Merrick Garland mentioned Taylor’s name during his appearance in Louisville saying they were told by a Metro Police officials that her death was a symptom of bigger problems within the department. Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, said while Wednesday marked a big day, it is not a vindication. She said the community will not know for sure if changes have truly been made until further down the road. “It's easy to say it. Until we actually start using those policies and procedures it'll just keep repeating itself,” she said. “The only thing that comes from losing her daughter is that it could prevent others from the same fate," Attorney Lonita Baker said. "This solidified today. She should be able to pick up the phone today and call Breonna.” The family’s attorney also noted the report showed what they already believed – that Louisville Metro Police allows bad behavior to go on without recourse. They pointed again to the fact this was a patterns and practices investigation, not a look at one incident. "This didn't start with Tae-Ahn Lea or Breonna Taylor," Baker said. "These types of things don't happen unless it's absolutely systemic," attorney Sam Aguiar said. "We're not talking about a few rotten apples in a police department, we're talking about a culture of cover up and collusion. And finally the Department of Justice puts together this report."  Attorney said they are encouraged to see the Department of Justice stepping in, and will be watching closely as next steps are implemented.  "I'm glad for one that the Department of Justice is going to be here, that there is going to be a consent decree, that there are going to be monitors making sure we're not just talking lip service about reform, but that we actually get reform," Baker said. Tae-Ahn Lea, who was involved in a traffic stop with LMPD in 2018, also spoke out Wednesday. A judge ruled in 2022 that LMPD violated Lea's rights, after pulling him over for making an improper wide turn.  "I'm glad the DOJ spoke up and said what we've all been saying for years," he said. "Everything the community knew, finally someone investigated and exposed it all." "To finally have that behind you, I'd like to see what the future looks like for Louisville," Lea added.  Monday is the three-year anniversary of Taylor's death. Palmer said she always knew her daughter would be great, but that it shouldn't have come to this.  "I don't even know what to say to that. I don't even know what to think to know this thing should have never happened and it took three years for anybody else to say that it shouldn't have," she said.  Reporters also asked the family's attorneys if there is a prospect of federal prosecutions against additional officers in the Breonna Taylor case. They said it isn't likely, but prosecutions could happen at the state and local level. ►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.   Have a news tip? Email [email protected], or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.   [embedded content]

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The U.S. Justice Department found Louisville police have engaged in a pattern of violating constitutional rights and discrimination against the Black community following an investigation prompted by the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor.Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the findings Wednesday, the same day the Justice Department announced it will review the Memphis Police Department policies on the use of force, de-escalation strategies and specialized units in response to the police beating death of Tyre Nichols. The 29-year-old motorist died Jan. 10, three days after his violent arrest. Tyre Nichols leans against a car  Jan. 7 after a brutal attack by five Memphis Police officers in Memphis. City of Memphis via AP A ground mural depicts a portrait of Breonna Taylor on July 6, 2020, at Chambers Park in Annapolis, Md. Julio Cortez, Associated Press U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks during a news conference Wednesday at Louisville Metro Hall in Louisville, Ky. Timothy D. Easley, Associated Press Photos: One year of demonstrations in honor of Breonna Taylor APTOPIX Racial Injustice Taylor Mural Updated 10 hrs ago A ground mural depicting a portrait of Breonna Taylor is seen at Chambers Park, Monday, July 6, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. The mural honors Taylor, a 26-year old Black woman who was fatally shot by police in her Louisville, Ky., apartment. The artwork was a team effort by the Banneker-Douglass Museum, the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, and Future History Now, a youth organization that focuses on mural projects. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Julio Cortez Storm Mystics Basketball Updated 10 hrs ago Members of the Seattle Storm stand in front of a photo of Breonna Taylor before a WNBA basketball game against the Washington Mystics Thursday, July 30, 2020, in Bradenton, Fla. Taylor was killed in her home by police officers. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) Chris O'Meara Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago A billboard sponsored by O, The Oprah Magazine, is on display with with a photo of Breonna Taylor, Friday, Aug. 7, 2020 in Louisville, KY. Twenty-six billboards are going up across Louisville, demanding that the police officers involved in Taylor's death be arrested and charged. Taylor was shot multiple times March 13 when police officers burst into her Louisville apartment using a no-knock warrant during a narcotics investigation. No drugs were found. (AP Photo/Dylan T. Lovan) Dylan T. Lovan Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago A billboard sponsored by O, The Oprah Magazine, is on display with with a photo of Breonna Taylor, Friday, Aug. 7, 2020 in Louisville, KY. Twenty-six billboards are going up across Louisville, demanding that the police officers involved in Taylor's death be arrested and charged. Taylor was shot multiple times March 13 when police officers burst into her Louisville apartment using a no-knock warrant during a narcotics investigation. No drugs were found. (AP Photo/Dylan T. Lovan) Dylan T. Lovan Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago Black Lives Matter protesters march, Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, in Louisville. Breonna Taylor's family demanded Friday that Kentucky authorities release all body camera footage, police files and the transcripts of the grand jury hearings that led to no charges against police officers who killed the Black woman during a March drug raid at her apartment. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Darron Cummings Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago FILE - In this Sept. 23, 2020, file photo, protesters speak in Louisville, Ky. Hours of material in the grand jury proceedings for Taylor’s fatal shooting by police have been made public on Friday, Oct. 2. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File) John Minchillo Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago FILE - In this Sept. 25, 2020, file photo,Breonna Taylor family attorney Ben Crump, center speaks during a news conference in Louisville, Ky. Hours of material in the grand jury proceedings for Taylor’s fatal shooting by police have been made public on Friday, Oct. 2. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File) Darron Cummings Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago Protesters speak, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. A grand jury has indicted one officer on criminal charges six months after Breonna Taylor was fatally shot by police in Kentucky. The jury presented its decision against fired officer Brett Hankison Wednesday to a judge in Louisville, where the shooting took place.(AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Darron Cummings APTOPIX Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago A woman speaks during a protest, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. A grand jury has indicted one officer on criminal charges six months after Breonna Taylor was fatally shot by police in Kentucky. The jury presented its decision against fired officer Brett Hankison Wednesday to a judge in Louisville, where the shooting took place. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) John Minchillo Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago A protester speaks, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. A grand jury has indicted one officer on criminal charges six months after Breonna Taylor was fatally shot by police in Kentucky. The jury presented its decision against fired officer Brett Hankison Wednesday to a judge in Louisville, where the shooting took place. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Darron Cummings Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago Protesters react to gunfire, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. A police officer was shot in the evening. A grand jury has indicted one officer on criminal charges six months after Breonna Taylor was fatally shot by police in Kentucky. The jury presented its decision against fired officer Brett Hankison Wednesday to a judge in Louisville, where the shooting took place. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) John Minchillo Breonna Taylor-NYC Protest Updated 10 hrs ago Demonstrators march during a protest, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in New York, following a Kentucky grand jury's decision not to indict any police officers for the killing of Breonna Taylor. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez) Eduardo Munoz Alvarez Breonna Taylor-NYC Protest Updated 10 hrs ago Demonstrators march on the Williamsburg Bridge during a protest, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in New York, following a Kentucky grand jury's decision not to indict any police officers for the killing of Breonna Taylor. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez) Eduardo Munoz Alvarez Breonna Taylor Protests NYC Updated 10 hrs ago A woman carries a boy and a sign which reads, "Please don't make me a Breonna Taylor," as they watch protesters gather, late Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in the Brooklyn borough of New York, following a Kentucky grand jury's decision not to indict any police officers for the killing of Breonna Taylor. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E) Wong Maye-E APTOPIX Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago An armed counter-protester speaks with Black Lives Matter demonstrators, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. Authorities pleaded for calm while activists vowed to fight on Thursday in Kentucky's largest city, where a gunman wounded two police officers during anguished protests following the decision not to charge officers for killing Breonna Taylor. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) John Minchillo Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago A protester stands in Jefferson Square, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. Authorities pleaded for calm while activists vowed to fight on Thursday in Kentucky's largest city, where a gunman wounded two police officers during anguished protests following the decision not to charge officers for killing Breonna Taylor. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) John Minchillo Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago Rev. Dr. Charles Elliott Jr., speaks with demonstrators, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. Authorities pleaded for calm while activists vowed to fight on Thursday in Kentucky's largest city, where a gunman wounded two police officers during anguished protests following the decision not to charge officers for killing Breonna Taylor. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) John Minchillo Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago Protesters march over a barricade, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. Authorities pleaded for calm while activists vowed to fight on Thursday in Kentucky's largest city, where a gunman wounded two police officers during anguished protests following the decision not to charge officers for killing Breonna Taylor. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) John Minchillo Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago Protesters march, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. Authorities pleaded for calm while activists vowed to fight on Thursday in Kentucky's largest city, where a gunman wounded two police officers during anguished protests following the decision not to charge officers for killing Breonna Taylor. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) John Minchillo APTOPIX Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago Tamika Palmer, the mother of Breonna Taylor, right, listens to a news conference, Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. Family attorney Ben Crump is calling for the Kentucky attorney general to release the transcripts from the grand jury that decided not to charge any of the officers involved in the Black woman's death. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Darron Cummings Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago Tamika Palmer, the mother of Breonna Taylor, marches with Black Lives Matter protesters, Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, in Louisville. Breonna Taylor's family demanded Friday that Kentucky authorities release all body camera footage, police files and the transcripts of the grand jury hearings that led to no charges against police officers who killed the Black woman during a March drug raid at her apartment. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Darron Cummings Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago Black Lives Matter protesters march, Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, in Louisville. Breonna Taylor's family demanded Friday that Kentucky authorities release all body camera footage, police files and the transcripts of the grand jury hearings that led to no charges against police officers who killed the Black woman during a March drug raid at her apartment. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Darron Cummings Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago People in cars speak to protesters, Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, in Louisville. Breonna Taylor's family demanded Friday that Kentucky authorities release all body camera footage, police files and the transcripts of the grand jury hearings that led to no charges against police officers who killed the Black woman during a March drug raid at her apartment. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Darron Cummings APTOPIX Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago A woman reacts to news in the Breonna Taylor shooting, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. A grand jury has indicted one officer on criminal charges six months after Taylor was fatally shot by police in Kentucky. The jury presented its decision against fired officer Brett Hankison Wednesday to a judge in Louisville, where the shooting took place. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Darron Cummings APTOPIX Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago A woman reacts to news in the Breonna Taylor shooting, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. A grand jury has indicted one officer on criminal charges six months after Taylor was fatally shot by police in Kentucky. The jury presented its decision against fired officer Brett Hankison Wednesday to a judge in Louisville, where the shooting took place. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Darron Cummings Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago People gather in Jefferson Square awaiting word on charges against police officers, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. A grand jury has indicted one officer on criminal charges six months after Breonna Taylor was fatally shot by police in Kentucky. The jury presented its decision against fired officer Brett Hankison Wednesday to a judge in Louisville, where the shooting took place.(AP Photo/John Minchillo) John Minchillo APTOPIX Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago Louisville police detain a man after a group marched in protest over a lack of charges against Louisville police in Breonna Taylor's death, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. A grand jury indicted one officer on criminal charges six months after Taylor was fatally shot by police in Kentucky. Prosecutors said two officers who fired their weapons at Taylor were justified in using force to protect themselves after they faced gunfire from her boyfriend. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) John Minchillo APTOPIX Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago Police and protesters converge during a demonstration, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. A grand jury has indicted one officer on criminal charges six months after Breonna Taylor was fatally shot by police in Kentucky. The jury presented its decision against fired officer Brett Hankison Wednesday to a judge in Louisville, where the shooting took place. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) John Minchillo Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago Police detain protesters, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. A grand jury has indicted one officer on criminal charges six months after Breonna Taylor was fatally shot by police in Kentucky. The jury presented its decision against fired officer Brett Hankison Wednesday to a judge in Louisville, where the shooting took place. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) John Minchillo Racial Injustice Breonna Taylor Updated 10 hrs ago Protesters chant, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. A grand jury has indicted one officer on criminal charges six months after Breonna Taylor was fatally shot by police in Kentucky. The jury presented its decision against fired officer Brett Hankison Wednesday to a judge in Louisville, where the shooting took place. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Darron Cummings

Mayor Craig Greenberg spoke during the Department of Justice's press conference Wednesday afternoon announcing civil rights violations by the Louisville Metro Police Department and city government.U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland led the announcements enumerating what they said were several civil rights violations. You can read about that here. "Our city has wounds that have not yet healed and that is why this report and this moment are so important,” said Greenberg, standing with LMPD Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel.Watch Greenberg's full remarks below:He said he and the chief "will do everything possible" to heal those wounds.A major part of that will be Louisville's work with the DOJ on implementing 36 remedial improvements made in the report, which you can read in its entirety here.Pledging reform, Greenberg said, "To those people who were harmed, I'm sorry. We can and will do better."Gwinn-Villaroel also pledged to enact reforms in the LMPD.Several community members and protesters were outside for the media-only announcement. Many were those at the forefront of 2020 protests and calling for LMPD reform way before then. Other Kentucky leaders and parties involved spoke out too. U.S. Congressman Morgan McGarvey (D-KY) said, "I fully support the Department of Justice’s consent decree to collaboratively work with Louisville Metro, Louisville Metro Police Department, and the community to begin righting these harmful wrongs. Excessive use of force and racial profiling in the Louisville Metro Police Department will continue to plague our community until we take decisive action to create true, lasting change. We simply cannot afford to wait."Former Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer released a statement too. He said, in part, "Today is another important inflection point to honor the pain of 2020 by further acknowledging, and continuing to act on, the fact that our community deserves a new era of public safety. This era requires the leadership of the many good officers who have dedicated their lives to keep us safe and are committed to working in partnership with the community to develop a new form of constitutionally sound policing embraced by all our city’s residents."Today’s findings, paired with those from the independent audit by Hillard Heintze that I initiated in 2020, presents Louisville with an opportunity to be a national leader and a model in building a truly just public safety system," Fischer said. "I believe good police officers will welcome this report as an opportunity to more easily meet the oath they swore to protect and serve our community and improve their daily job performance and profession."Attorney for Breonna Taylor's family, Ben Crump, released the following statement. "The family of Breonna Taylor is encouraged by the findings released today by Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division revealing a pattern of biased policing and a long list of constitutional violations by the Louisville Metro Police Department," he said."These findings, and LMPD’s expected cooperation with the DOJ’s recommended remedial measures, will help protect the citizens of Louisville and shape its culture of policing," said Crump. "It’s steps like these, and involvement of the Attorney General and the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, that will move our nation forward and prevent future tragedies like the one that took the life of Breonna Taylor and the countless others who have been killed unnecessarily by law enforcement."Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron release the following:"My statement regarding the results of DOJ's investigation into Louisville Metro: The vast majority of Kentucky’s law enforcement community protects & serves the Commonwealth with dignity & honor, & I am thankful to these brave men & women who put their lives on the line day in & day out to keep our communities safe. We hope that the U.S. Department of Justice’s work with Louisville Metro and city officials will help address lingering concerns & better allow law enforcement to keep people safe."Gov. Andy Beshear also responded to the reports, saying:"Today's findings by the Department of Justice are concerning. My Hope is that everyone in Louisville will come together and see the findings of this report as an urgent opportunity to take intentional steps for positive, lasting change. I believe the DOJ findings can help achieve the goal of ensuring public safety and protecting everyone's rights." LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Mayor Craig Greenberg spoke during the Department of Justice's press conference Wednesday afternoon announcing civil rights violations by the Louisville Metro Police Department and city government.U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland led the announcements enumerating what they said were several civil rights violations. You can read about that here.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. —  The U.S. Justice Department found Louisville police have engaged in a pattern of violating constitutional rights and discrimination against the Black community after an investigation prompted by the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor.Atty. Gen. Merrick Garland made the announcement Wednesday. A Justice Department report found the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government and Louisville Metro Police Department “engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of their rights under the Constitution and federal law.”The report said the Police Department “discriminates against Black people in its enforcement activities,” uses excessive force and conducts searches based on invalid warrants. It also said the department violates the rights of people engaged in protected speech, such as during the street protests in the summer of 2020 after Taylor’s death. Garland said some officers have assaulted people with disabilities and called Black people disparaging names.“This conduct is unacceptable, it is heartbreaking,” Garland said. “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.”The sweeping probe announced in April 2021 is known as a “pattern or practice” investigation — examining whether there is a pattern of unconstitutional or unlawful policing inside the department. The city will sign a negotiated agreement with the Justice Department and a federal officer will monitor the progress.Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, said Wednesday that she remains upset that it took so long to feel some vindication.“It’s heartbreaking to know that everything you’ve been saying from Day One has to be said again,” Palmer said.One of Palmer’s attorneys, Lonita Baker, said she was encouraged by the Justice Department’s findings, but it’s “unfortunate that it took the murder of Breonna Taylor and protest after protest after protest through 2020 to come to this point.”Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said the city “has wounds that are not yet healed.”“We have to come to terms with where we’ve been, so we can get to where we want to be,” Greenberg said.Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman, was roused from her bed by police who came through the door using a battering ram after midnight on March 13, 2020. Three officers fired shots after Taylor’s boyfriend, fearing an intruder, shot an officer in the leg. Taylor was struck several times and died at the scene.The warrant used to enter her home is now part of a separate federal criminal investigation, and one former Louisville officer has already pleaded guilty to helping falsify information on the warrant. No drugs were found in Taylor’s home. Two more officers are charged in the warrant probe, and a third, Brett Hankison, is charged with endangering Taylor and her neighbors with his shots into her apartment.The Justice Department report said Black motorists were more likely to be searched during traffic stops, and officers used neck restraints, police dogs and Tasers against people who posed no imminent threat. Garland cited incidents in 2018 and 2019 in which two officers threw drinks at pedestrians and recorded the encounters. Both officers pleaded guilty to federal charges.NAACP President and Chief Executive Derrick Johnson applauded the findings but said federal lawmakers have yet to step up and enact wider police reforms.“While Congress continues to fail our country with police reform, at least the Department of Justice is taking their jobs seriously. Today marks a meaningful step toward police accountability and — should Congress now decide to step up — police reform,” Johnson’s statement said.He added that the group lauded Garland and the Justice Department for continuing a “pursuit of justice” and added, “Congress should take a page from their book, do their jobs, and pass the legislation necessary to save innocent lives.”Louisville police have undergone five leadership changes since the Taylor shooting, and Greenberg is interviewing candidates for the next chief. The city has settled a number of lawsuits related to the incident, including a $12-million payment to Taylor’s family that ended a wrongful-death lawsuit.Garland also mentioned some reforms the city has undergone since Taylor’s death, including a city law banning the use of “no-knock” warrants in 2020. The warrants are typically used in surprise drug raids. The city also started a pilot program that aims to send behavioral health professionals to some 911 calls, expanded community violence prevention efforts and sought to support health and wellness for officers, the report said.Also Wednesday, the Justice Department announced it will review the Memphis Police Department’s policies on the use of force, de-escalation strategies and specialized units in response to the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols during an arrest. The 29-year-old motorist died Jan. 10, three days after his violent arrest.

#inform-video-player-1 .inform-embed { margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px; } #inform-video-player-2 .inform-embed { margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px; } LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The U.S. Justice Department found Louisville police have engaged in a pattern of violating constitutional rights and discrimination against the Black community following an investigation prompted by the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor.Attorney General Merrick Garland made the announcement Wednesday. A Justice Department report found the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government and Louisville Metro Police Department “engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of their rights under the Constitution and federal law.”The report said the Louisville police department “discriminates against Black people in its enforcement activities,” uses excessive force and conducts searches based on invalid warrants. It also said the department violates the rights of people engaged in protected speech, such as the street protests in the city in the summer of 2020 after Taylor’s death. Garland said some officers have assaulted people with disabilities and called Black people disparaging names. “This conduct is unacceptable, it is heartbreaking,” Garland said. “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.”The sweeping probe announced in April 2021 is known as a “pattern or practice” investigation – examining whether there is a pattern of unconstitutional or unlawful policing inside the department. The city will sign a negotiated agreement with the Justice Department and a federal officer will monitor the progress.Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, said Wednesday that she remains upset that it took so long to feel some vindication.“It’s heartbreaking to know that everything you’ve been saying from day one has to be said again,” Palmer said.One of Palmer’s attorneys, Lonita Baker, said she was encouraged by the Justice Department’s findings, but it’s “unfortunate that it took the murder of Breonna Taylor and protest after protest after protest through 2020 to come to this point.”Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said the city “has wounds that are not yet healed.”“We have to come to terms with where we’ve been, so we can get to where we want to be,” Greenberg said. Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman, was roused from her bed by police who came through the door using a battering ram after midnight on March 13, 2020. Three officers fired shots after Taylor’s boyfriend, fearing an intruder, shot an officer in the leg.Taylor was struck several times and died at the scene.The warrant used to enter her home is now part of a separate federal criminal investigation, and one former Louisville officer has already pleaded guilty to helping falsify information on the warrant. No drugs were found in Taylor’s home. Two more officers are charged in the warrant probe, and a third, Brett Hankison, is charged with endangering Taylor and her neighbors with his shots into her apartment.The report said Black motorists were more likely to be searched during traffic stops, and officers used neck restraints, police dogs and Tasers against people who posed no imminent threat. Garland cited one incident where two officers threw drinks at pedestrians and recorded the encounters. Those incidents happened in 2018 and 2019. Both officers are facing federal charges.NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson applauded the Justice Department findings but said federal lawmakers have yet to step up and enact wider police reforms.“While Congress continues to fail our country with police reform, at least the Department of Justice is taking their jobs seriously. Today marks a meaningful step toward police accountability and – should Congress now decide to step up – police reform,” Johnson’s statement said.He added that the group lauded Garland and the Department of Justice for continuing a “pursuit of justice” and added, “Congress should take a page from their book, do their jobs, and pass the legislation necessary to save innocent lives.”Louisville police have undergone five leadership changes since the Taylor shooting, and new Mayor Craig Greenberg is interviewing candidates for the next chief. The city has settled a number of lawsuits related to the incident, including a $12 million payment to Taylor’s family that ended a wrongful death lawsuit.Garland also mentioned some reforms the city has undergone since Taylor’s death, including a city law banning the use of “no-knock” warrants in 2020. The warrants are typically used in surprise drug raids. The city also started a pilot program that aims to send behavioral health professionals to some 911 calls, expanded community violence prevention efforts and sought to support health and wellness for officers, the report said.Also Wednesday, the Justice Department announced it will review the Memphis Police Department policies on the use of force, de-escalation strategies and specialized units in response to the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols during an arrest. The 29-year-old motorist died Jan. 10, three days after his violent arrest. #inform-video-player-3 .inform-embed { margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px; }

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department found Louisville police have engaged in a pattern of violating constitutional rights and discrimination against the Black community following an investigation prompted by the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor.Attorney General Merrick Garland made the announcement Wednesday. A Justice Department report found the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government and Louisville Metro Police Department “engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of their rights under the Constitution and federal law.” The report said the Louisville police department “discriminates against Black people in its enforcement activities,” uses excessive force and conducts searches based on invalid warrants. It also said the department violates the rights of people engaged in protected speech, like the street protests in the city in the summer of 2020 after Taylor's death. Garland said some officers have assaulted people with disabilities and called Black people disparaging names.

The US Justice Department has found Louisville police have engaged in a pattern of violating constitutional rights following an investigation prompted by the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor. The announcement was made Wednesday by Attorney Merrick Garland. A Justice Department report found the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government and Louisville Metro Police Department “engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of their rights under the Constitution and federal law.” The report said Louisville police “discriminate against Black people in its enforcement activities,” use excessive force and conduct searches based on invalid warrants. It also said the department violates the rights of people engaged in protected speech, like the street protests in the city in the summer of 2020. “This conduct is unacceptable, it is heartbreaking,” Garland said. US Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that a Justice Department probe found that the Louisville/Jefferson County Police Department had a pattern of violating people’s constitutional rights. AFP via Getty Images The sweeping probe announced in April 2021 is known as a “pattern or practice” investigation — examining whether there is a pattern of unconstitutional or unlawful policing inside the department. Taylor, a 26-year-old black woman, was roused from her bed by police who came through the door using a battering ram after midnight on March 13, 2020. Three officers fired shots after Taylor’s boyfriend, fearing an intruder, shot an officer in the leg. Taylor was struck several times and died at the scene. The probe was launched following the police killing of Breonna Taylor. AP The warrant used to enter her home is now part of a separate federal criminal investigation, and one former Louisville officer has already pleaded guilty to helping falsify information on the warrant. No drugs were found in Taylor’s home. Louisville police have undergone five leadership changes since the Taylor shooting, and new Mayor Craig Greenberg is interviewing candidates for the next chief. The city has settled a number of lawsuits related to the incident, including a $12 million payment to Taylor’s family that ended a wrongful death lawsuit. Since 2020, the city has banned no-knock warrants, started a program that aims to send behavioral health professionals to some 911 calls, expanded community violence prevention efforts and sought to support health and wellness for officers, the report said.

Tamika Palmer stood in a nurse's uniform behind a podium Wednesday, unsure what to say about a U.S. Department of Justice investigation released almost three years to the day after her daughter, Breonna Taylor, was shot and killed by Louisville police."It's heartbreaking to know that everything you've been saying since Day One has to be said again, through this manner. That it took this to even have somebody look into this department," she said, trailing off.Earlier that day, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the findings of a nearly two-year investigation into the Louisville Metro Police Department, spotlighting how the agency violated citizens' constitutional rights by systematically discriminating against Black people and mentally unstable residents.US DOJ's report:Read the violations and recommended reformThe Department of Justice began the investigation in April 2021 in response to Taylor's death.Taylor, 26, was shot and killed by officers serving a "no-knock" search warrant in a drug investigation at her home on March 13, 2020.Lonita Baker, a Louisville attorney representing Taylor's family, said she is encouraged by the DOJ's findings."However, it is unfortunate it took the murder of Breonna Taylor and protest after protest after protest in 2020 to get to this point,” she said.More:What to know about the 7 DOJ findings in Louisville police investigationBaker added the investigation would not have occurred without thousands of people marching in the streets daily for nearly six months.“Louisville Metro has known about these problems for a very long time," she said, "but they chose to do nothing for a very long time because the heat wasn’t there.”Standing alongside Baker and Palmer was Tae-Ahn Lea, a Black Louisville resident whose high-profile traffic stop in 2018 led to some policy reforms and whose story was included in the DOJ report.In September, a federal judge ruled officers had violated his constitutional rights.“I’m glad that the DOJ spoke up and finally said what we’ve been saying for years,” Lea said. “I’d like to see what the future looks like now.”Across town, several key players in the 2020 protests spoke about the investigation at Jefferson Square Park, a central location during the demonstrations which was given the moniker "Injustice Square Park" by those in attendance that summer.Shameka Parrish-Wright, director of VOCAL-KY and an outspoken member of the protests, called the consent decree "a step in the right direction," and said there was some relief for those who had faced consequences during the demonstrations that LMPD would face some accountability.The findings, though, aren't the final step. Khalilah Collins, director of DOVE Delegates (which aims to pursue an alternative model to policing in Louisville), said the answer isn't giving LMPD more money – instead, she pushed for the department and city government to be more transparent moving forward and to give the community a voice during conversations about reform."The findings of the DOJ investigation confirmed the long-ignored outcry of the community," Collins said. "To rectify these violations of our civil rights and our humanity, the community does not just need to be fully represented at every table where decisions regarding reform or accountability are made – they need to lead these conversations."In October 2020, Taylor's family received a $12 million settlement with the city. And Palmer said Wednesday the family is "still going back and forth" with some of the reforms included in the agreement.In regard to the DOJ's recommendations for LMPD, going forward: "It's easy to say it, but until we actually start using those policies and procedures, it will just be repeating itself."Reporter Lucas Aulbach contributed. Reach reporter Bailey Loosemore at [email protected], 502-582-4646 or on Twitter @bloosemore.