LMPD :: Louisville Metro Police Department
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Mayoral candidate, Police Chief debate LMPD's leadership approach

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He's only a candidate for mayor but now Metro Councilman Jim King is upsetting the police chief saying he's ready for a change when it comes to the police department.

King says he has a long record of fighting crime and wants to re-vamp the department if he's elected mayor.

Now, Metro Police Chief Robert White is firing back.

Community activists and even a former FOP president joined Metro Councilman Jim King as he announced his platform for mayor curbing gang violence and street crime.

King wants to go back to how things were before Chief Robert White took the top spot at LMPD. That approach is causing a heated debate.

Mattie Jones, Community Activist, said, "When this gentleman, Jim King, a loving kind man a human being says enough is enough and we make a change in this community."

With a hug, Jones showed her support.

King announced he wants major changes in how the police department is run, saying, "I know we have flex platoons in the divisions but I'm looking for something more comprehensive in nature. I want to restore the gang squad. Gang violence is on the rise."

In addition to re-instating the gang squad, King wants to re-vitalize the street crimes unit while adding more money to the metro narcotics force and rehab programs.

Former FOP President David James now heads a law enforcement committee for Councilman King.

James said, "I support Councilman King because dealing with the issue of narcotics and gangs can tremendously effect our overall crime problem in Louisville."

To date King says University Hospital spent more than $12 million on gun-related emergencies.

Adding to that the 40211 zip code in the west end has the highest number of injuries because of it.

And King argues bringing back specialty units is the answer to Chief White's dismay.

He said, "I'm a little (sigh) I'm a little taken back of this whole approach."