Thread by @TessaDuvall

Happening now: @phillipmbailey is moderating a conversation with LMPD Chief Erika Shields for the @LouisvilleForum.

You can watch it live here: fb.watch/4SOWxNRFJJ/

Shields says the homicide rate in Louisville is "shocking" but yet does not receive the level of attention and energy it deserves.

Bailey points to this April 11 homicide report.

At time of publication, there were 51 homicides and just 14 have been cleared.

louisville-police.org/DocumentCenter…

Shields said she's encountered shooting victims who wanted witness protection to cooperate with police. They have expressed fear that if they aid investigators, they will turn up dead.

Q: What is LMPD doing to address guns on the streets?

A: Shields says there was *no* proactive policing for six months.

Says CID - unit behind Breonna Taylor warrant and shooting - was responsible for most proactive policing. CID was told to "stand down."

Now moving on to discuss the Taylor case and the defund the police movement.

Q: What is a bad cop?

A: "In policing, we have a tendency to rationalize." i.e. the cop is a "good guy," he hasn't had many complaints before, etc.

Shields says supervision is key.

Shields says disciplinary files need to move at a faster pace. Supervisors need to weigh in. And, there needs to be a disciplinary matrix.

An audience member asked if Shields regretted saying what happened to Breonna Taylor doesn't happen to white people. Called it incorrect and blatantly racist. Asked if she would walk it back.

"Absolutely not," Shield said.

*Shields

Shields says police unions really have to embrace doing things differently.

Many times, the steps that they're taking are providing no support to officers, she said.

Some back story on the recent FOP controversy: courier-journal.com/story/news/pol…

Talking about the Daunte Wright shooting.

The ex-cop who fatally shot Wright was charged with second-degree manslaughter today.

Shields says the cop, Kim Potter, should absolutely be charged.
usatoday.com/story/news/nat…

Commenter who asked Shields to walk back statement on race and Breonna Taylor doubles down (but seemingly fails to understand the difference between rate vs. number).

Asked if Shields wanted to respond, she simply said, "No. I think I've answered it."
washingtonpost.com/graphics/inves…

Shields, speaking about a protest in Louisville Monday night, said someone should have gone to jail. It shows that supervisors are reluctant to become engaged for fear that it will come under criticism.

courier-journal.com/story/news/loc…

Let's talk about records! YES

Shields: I come in here and they don't release anything. ... I'm not withholding stuff.

"We have an obligation. If the file's closed, have at it."

Says it's a matter of "getting everyone on the same page."

courier-journal.com/story/news/loc…