LMPD :: Louisville Metro Police Department
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FOP President discusses allegations

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On July 31, The C-J published a lengthy story concerning the disciplinary record of LMPD Officer Charles Moore. As the president of River City FOP Lodge #614 it would be irresponsible for me to publicly discuss the disciplinary record of any officer/member that I represent. However, the article, the interviews cited in the article, and some of the comments regarding the article bring to light some important issues that deserve attention and/or clarification.

There seems to be an assumption by some in the general public that the FOP does or has the ability to impede the disciplinary process as it involves police officers. This is simply not true, and any suggestion or insinuation otherwise is completely inaccurate and disingenuous. In fact, Article 12 of the contract between RCFOP Lodge #614 and Metro Government specifically spells out that disciplinary matters are not subject to the grievance procedure and that all disciplinary matters shall be appealed pursuant to state statute and the rules and regulations of the Police Merit Board. In other words, discipline is handed out at the sole discretion of the Chief of Police and any officer wishing to appeal his/her discipline must do so before the Police Merit Board. So, let us discuss the Police Merit Board.

The Merit Board is composed of five members who are appointed by the Mayor subject to the approval of the Council. There are also two police officers elected by the members of the LMPD who serve as members of the board for the purpose of deciding discipline cases only.

To recap: All discipline is handed out by the Chief of Police. Disciplinary appeals are heard by the Merit Board and five out of the seven board members hearing the appeal are appointed by the Mayor, who happens to be the Chief's boss. You'll notice that the FOP is mentioned nowhere in this process. For those wondering about the Police Officers Bill of Rights (also mentioned in the July article), it is not some divisive section of the police contract. It just happens to be state law (KRS 15.520). This bill of rights in no way impedes discipline either. It simply provides due process rights for police officers while providing a means for redress by the citizens of the Commonwealth when they feel they have been wronged by the police. Any reasonable, prudent individual would agree that police officers and civilian citizens alike deserve due process.

I am an elected leader and I will not mince words. After the July C-J article many officers felt as if Chief White were suggesting that large numbers of officers on our department were disciplinary problems and/or involved in criminal activity on a routine basis. The Chief did not say those exact words, but that is what the officers heard and felt was implied. This perception is a problem in itself. I can assure your readers that the problems that exist within the LMPD do not, for the most part, involve those that hold the rank of Officer and ride a beat or regularly interact with the public. Are there a small percentage of police officers on the LMPD that should not be wearing the uniform? Yes, absolutely. It is important to point out that most of them do not and would never engage in criminal activity - they simply don't have what it takes to be a police officer. Does the FOP have any power or authority to weed these officers out? No. Again, that authority lies with the Chief of Police and those he appoints to take charge of this department.

The real problem is that our recruiting, hiring, and promotional processes are all flawed. They are designed to be all inclusive, politically correct, and promote diversity. How about we recruit and hire the best candidates no matter what. How about we promote based on merit. The promotional process is a joke. I say this having been promoted myself. Job performance, true policing experience, and leadership ability are all NOT considered when an officer or sergeant is promoted.

In addition, political correctness and the need to make everyone feel good about themselves has ruined our ability to effectively police. The LMPD currently operates like a company or a business. Some in the upper echelon command even refer to our police department as "The Company." We no longer arrest criminals and protect the public. Instead we respond to "consumers" and provide services for our "clients." This is hogwash. The LMPD is an armed paramilitary organization charged with protecting the citizens of Louisville Metro. I'll say it again - we are a paramilitary organization. We should train like one, act and operate like one, and install or promote leaders at all ranks that understand this. The citizens of our community deserve no less than this from all of us who choose to wear the uniform and protect them.

The Louisville Police Department and the Jefferson County Police Department merged over seven years ago to form the Louisville Metro Police Department. We should be one of the premier law enforcement agencies in the country. We are not…and we will not be until our city leaders and the Command Staff at the LMPD realize that our police department does not need good managers. We need excellent leaders who also know how to manage. We have leaders like this on the department. Unfortunately they are hidden away in dark corners where their abilities cannot be exposed.

I am willing and ready to discuss the issues addressed in this article or any issue involving the LMPD or the RCFOP with any elected official, city leader, or concerned citizen. My e-mail is listed below and I approve its publication.

DAVE MUTCHLER

President

RCFOP Lodge 614

Louisville 40229

Djmutchler14@insightbb.com