After an investigation triggered by the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor, the U.S. Justice Department discovered that Louisville police have consistently violated constitutional rights and discriminated against the Black community in a pattern of behavior.
On Wednesday, it was announced by the Attorney General, Merrick Garland. According to a report from the Justice Department, the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government, and the Louisville Metro Police Department have a recurring behavior of violating people’s constitutional and federal rights.
According to the report, the enforcement activities of the Louisville police department display bias against Black individuals, involve unjustifiable use of force and execute searches on the basis of invalid warrants. The department was accused of infringing upon the constitutional rights of individuals who engage in protected forms of expression, such as the street demonstrations that occurred in the city during the summer of 2020 following Taylor’s untimely passing. According to Garland, certain officers have committed acts of assault against individuals with disabilities and made derogatory remarks toward Black people.
Garland expressed his dismay saying, “This behavior is not acceptable and it is truly devastating.” This behavior undermines the essential trust between the police and the community, which is crucial for effective law enforcement. Additionally, it is disrespectful to the dedicated officers who risk their lives daily to serve Louisville with integrity.
Announced in April 2021, the broad investigation focuses on a “pattern or practice” approach. Its aim is to assess whether there is a consistent occurrence of unconstitutional or illegal conduct within the police department. A negotiated agreement will be signed by the city with the Justice Department, and a federal officer will oversee the advancement.
On Wednesday, Tamika Palmer, Taylor’s mother, expressed her disappointment that it took such a long time to finally feel a sense of validation.
Palmer expressed sadness over the fact that all the things he had been saying since the beginning had to be reiterated.
Lonita Baker, one of Palmer’s attorneys, expressed her optimism at the revelations made by the Justice Department. However, she noted that it was regrettable that it took the killing of Breonna Taylor and countless protests throughout 2020 to attain this achievement.
Mayor Craig Greenberg of Louisville stated that the city is still dealing with unhealed wounds.
Greenberg stated that it is necessary to acknowledge our past experiences in order to reach our desired destination.
In the early hours of March 13, 2020, police used a battering ram to forcefully enter the residence of Taylor, a 26-year-old woman who identifies as Black, causing her to awaken from her sleep. In response to Taylor’s boyfriend shooting an officer in the leg out of fear of an intruder, three officers also fired their shots. Taylor was subjected to multiple blows and expired at the location.
The warrant, which was utilized to enter her residence, has been incorporated into an independent federal criminal inquiry. Furthermore, a former Louisville officer has already confessed to participating in the alteration of information on the warrant. There were no drugs discovered in the residence of Taylor. Additional charges have been laid in the investigation of the warrant, including against two more officers. Furthermore, Brett Hankison has been charged with endangering Taylor and those around her by firing shots into her apartment.
