To move forward together, Louisville should prioritize the building of police-community relations. It should begin with confession.
In the wake of the civic trauma of the past year, following the killing of Breonna Taylor and its aftermath, both in the streets and in the criminal justice system, we see no way for Louisville to move forward with any sense of unity and momentum toward a more just future unless the city undertakes a deep and broad process of building better police-community relations.
Policies are being mandated, laws are being passed, studies are being done, and even an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice is underway. But there is something missing confession. We as faith leaders believe in the principal behind the proverb that “confession is good for the soul.” For the “soul” of our city, an intentional process of systemic confession is needed.
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AP Photo/John Minchillo
Most big cities are in the midst of a surge in violent crime that started last spring and kicked into overdrive last summer. Los Angeles has seen a 73% increase in shootings this year. New York City’s murder rate climbed by 45% last year, and homicides are up an additional 20% since January.
Seattle? A 61% increase in murders last year, and the homicide rate is on track to be just as high this year.
Similar stats can be found from coast to coast, so it shouldn’t be a surprised to learn that big city mayors want to focus on violent crime. Unfortunately, it sounds like many of them are also focused on the idea of more gun control as the answer.
First Published: 9:42 AM PDT, April 28, 2021
The death of Breonna Taylor sparked national protests in the name of justice for the slain 26-year-old EMT.
The United States Department of Justice has announced that it will investigate Kentucky’s Louisville Metropolitan Police Department following the 2020 death of Breonna Taylor.
The announcement, made Monday by Attorney General Merrick Garland, says it will launch an investigation into the city’s police to determine if there is a pattern of discrimination or excessive force within its ranks, NPR reported. The investigation will assess whether LMPD [Louisville Metro Police Department] engages in a pattern or practice of using unreasonable force, including with respect to people involved in peaceful, expressive activities, Garland said. It will determine whether LMPD engages in unconstitutional stops, searches and seizures, as well as whether the department unlawfully executes search warrants on private homes.