‘Unsustainable:’ Office of Inspector General advises LMPD to decrease high case load for detectives

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - The Office of the Inspector General released its findings after evaluating strengths and weaknesses of the Louisville Metro Police Department.

The office expressed concerns what it called “startling facts” about LMPD detective caseloads, case systems, and training. They called the hours ‘unsustainable’ with Detectives handling 500–1,000+ cases annually.

The report also noted that there were stipulations that are causing significant issues with department staffing. Retired Detectives returning to LMPD must re-serve 3 years in patrol and the report says that is wasting valuable experience. The report suggests that civilian investigators be hired to assist detectives.

There are concerns with training for detectives, retention rates and supervision in addition to which cases fall on the shoulders of the Non-Fatal Shooting Unit.

Chief Paul Humphrey released the following statement in response to the report:

I appreciate the Office of Inspector General’s collaborative and comprehensive report. While LMPD is still reviewing the findings in full, we agree with many of its initial conclusions -- particularly the need to reduce detectives’ caseloads through increased staffing. 

I am encouraged by the growing numbers in our recruit classes and hope this trend continues. We urge more people to consider a career with LMPD. We will continue to explore strategies to balance workload demands for our officers, detectives and professional staff. By strengthening our ranks and investing in our employees, we can continue to build a department that supports our community with both urgency and excellence.  

The Office of Inspector General is suggestion revisions to officer criteria and training, as well as increasing staffing. You can read the full report below.