'It's inexcusable'; Louisville Mayor and Interim Police chief apologize for past abuses, pledge to do better

Mayor Craig Greenberg and interim Louisville Metro Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroe apologized for the past 'abuses of public trust' committed by the city and LMPD.

"It's unacceptable. And it's inexcusable," Greenberg said.

The mayor's remarks came Monday night during Citizens of Louisville Organized and United Together's annual action assembly. Each year the group of faith leaders and community members holds an action assembly where local officials are asked to pledge support for solutions to key issues impacting the city.

During his speech, Greenberg referenced the recent Department of Justice report as an indication of all the work left to be done to improve community relations with LMPD. The lengthy report is full of data and specific examples to catalog a pattern of civil rights violations by officers.

"It hurts to hear about specific examples of abuse cited in this report. Particularly cases of abuse against Black and brown members of our community, as well as women and people with disabilities. These abuses are committed by people who are supposed to serve and protect them," Greenberg said.

The interim chief also acknowledged the impacts of those who 'tarnished the badge.'

"I acknowledge the pain caused by those who did not respect the law enforcement profession. Those who decided to act in a manner contrary to their oath of office have had a detrimental impact on this community," Gwinn-Villaroel said.

The overall theme for this year's assembly was "From Childhood Through Adulthood: Building a City of Justice."