.png)
On Wednesday Mayor Greenberg, LMPD Interim Chief Gwinn-Villaroel announced the official formation of the "Non-Fatal Shooting Squad" to focus on gun violence in the city. Mayor Greenberg also announced his investment of $37,000 of his remaining inaugural funds in Kentuckiana Crime Stoppers.
LOUISVILLE, KY (RIOT) - Standing with LMPD Interim Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel, Mayor Craig Greenberg on Wednesday announced the recent creation of a squad to investigate and solve violent crime. The Non-Fatal Shooting Squad (NFSS) is commanded by Lt. Stephen Lacefield and includes two sergeants and 16 detectives. Additionally, the squad will work directly with two agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
"LMPD's new Nonfatal Shooting Squad is exactly the kind of resource we need to help keep our community safe; they will have the training and resources to investigate and solve crime and get people off the streets who are solving their problems with firearms," said Mayor Greenberg. "I'm proud that LMPD has rolled out this important new unit of highly trained professional investigators and I'm confident this will help make Louisville safer and stronger. I also want to thank our chief and her command staff for the incredibly hard work they put into this new resource."
Investigators with the NFSS were required to attend 40 hours of specialized training with the International Homicide Investigators Association (IHIA). The training courses included Crime Scene Investigation, Evidence Processing, Lab Capabilities, Suspect Development & Elimination, Interview & Interrogation, Cellular Analysis, Media & Public Information Officer Relationships, and Proper Documentation-Report Writing. NFSS officers also attended 40 hours of instruction through LMPD's Criminal Investigations Course. At the conclusion of the course, officers were tested and critiqued on their performance.
Additional training has been conducted on a weekly basis since the unit became operational. This team will be responsible for working closely with the ATF to seek federal prosecution of individuals driving violent crime. Federal partnerships are an essential part of LMPD's multi- tiered strategy to mitigate violent crime and promote safe neighborhoods in Louisville's
communities.
"The activation of the NFSS is major step in ensuring LMPD is doing what the community expects us to do in solving and preventing crime," said Interim LMPD Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel. "I want this community to know that we're working to make every corner of Louisville a safer place and the law enforcement professionals assigned to the NFSS will make every effort to ensure this happens."
Mayor Greenberg donates $37,000 in inaugural funds to Kentuckiana Crime Stoppers
Mayor Greenberg also announced on Wednesday that he is donating the remaining balance of his inaugural funds to Kentuckiana Crime Stoppers, a nonprofit that has worked to help solve Mayor Greenberg also announced on Wednesday that he is donating the remaining balance of crimes and keep the community safe for over 40 years. The Kentuckiana Crime Stoppers number, 502-582-2583 (582-CLUE), accepts anonymous community tips 24 hours a day.
"Crime Stoppers is an amazing organization that offers residents an anonymous and helpful way to keep their community safe," said Mayor Greenberg. "As a civilian-controlled nonprofit, Crime Stoppers rely on donations and fundraisers to operate, and I'm happy to provide the remaining balance of our inaugural funds to pitch in with this important work."
Kentuckiana Crime Stoppers, founded in 1982, is a nonprofit organization that allows citizens from around the region to report crimes or suspicious activities. Since its founding, Kentuckiana Crime Stoppers has helped solve more than 11,000 felony cases and get more than $10 million worth of drugs off the streets. While affiliated with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the anonymous tip line sends more than half of their tips directly to LMPD to assist them in solving crimes such as child abuse, assault, drug distribution and homicide.
"We appreciate Mayor Greenberg's contribution to Kentuckiana Crime Stoppers and his commitment to our organization's work," said David Yates, who heads the organization. "There is no doubt these funds will help solve crimes and keep the community safe. We have been helping citizens anonymously assist law enforcement for more than four decades and, with support like we're receiving today, we'll continue to do so long into the future."
DIRECT RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Keep up to date and support non-profit, community media by subscribing to our newsletter and following on all social platforms.
Community. Driven. Media.