LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For years, Louisville authorities largely avoided using the word "gang" in public addresses when discussing the causes of the city's rising violence.
Now, Louisville Metro Police Department's (LMPD) chief says her department isn't "shying away" from the reality.
"We got a gang problem," Chief Jackie Gwinn-Villaroel said in front of a packed crowd at Vincenzo's in downtown Louisville Wednesday.
Gwinn-Villaroel sat alongside Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg for the Louisville Forum's hour-long discussion on public safety and what the city is doing to improve it.
"Because at one point, we were shying away from it, we were being dismissive," she said about the city's gang violence. "We had a blind eye to it, [saying], 'Oh, it's not happening in Louisville.' Guess what, newsflash -- it is. And so with acknowledgment, you're able to do better and tackle that particular challenge that is facing our city."
Meanwhile, Greenberg revealed an eye-opening number, saying around 30% of the Metro's homicides stem from gang activity.
"Young people who are committing crimes are talking a lot about it on their phones. They're posting a lot, they're texting, they're Snapchatting. And so, we need more tools," Greenberg said.
Greenberg is advocating for Kentucky lawmakers to pass a state wiretapping law, which is also included in his list of legislative priorities for the 2024 session in Frankfort. His goal is for trained law enforcement to have more resources at their disposal to arrest gang leaders.
During the discussion, when talking about finding solutions, he also put some of the onus on Louisville's judges, saying they must "hold those who are responsible accountable."
"I am not someone who believes that locking more people up is our path to safety, but I do believe that if you use a gun to harm others, your punishment should be measured in years -- and not in months," Greenberg said.
Meanwhile, Gwinn-Villaroel also ensured that LMPD is going after gang members every day and "dismantling" these groups. She mentioned LMPD is continuing to partner with the ATF, FBI and DEA in this effort.
Greenberg said the city is working with Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) to see what they can learn from inside school walls, and they're also working to educate students about gang resistance through the 'GREAT' program.
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.