Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel picked as Louisville's permanent police chief

Mayor Craig Greenberg announced Thursday that his choice for Louisville's police chief position would be the person who's already filling the role: interim Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel.

Greenberg said he relied on "an enormous amount of public input before making this decision," with focus groups and virtual town halls along with a virtual survey calling for feedback. In the end, he said at a press conference, he found "the best person to do this work is already on the job."

The announcement comes after a hiring process that drew criticism, including over decisions not to name finalists and requiring the seven members of Greenberg's advisory panel to sign nondisclosure agreements about the search, which included 20 applicants and four interviews.

More on the hire: Who is LMPD's new permanent chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel?

Gwinn-Villaroel, who came to Louisville Metro Police from Atlanta to serve as a deputy under former Chief Erika Shields, expressed her gratitude for being selected − and for Greenberg conducting a search.

"I want to acknowledge you (Greenberg) for taking a leap of faith on this individual - me - that came here that you knew nothing about, but you took a leap of faith to allow me to lead, and you saw my leadership abilities, and you said, 'Go forth, Jackie.'"

She said it was her "calling to serve and protect those who cannot take care of themselves and who need my service."

Gwinn-Villaroel will remain head of a department that will almost definitely be operating under a court-monitored consent decree. It would follow a Department of Justice report that found LMPD and city government engage in a pattern and practice of violating federal law and the Constitution. Among other things, the report found the police department has used excessive force and discriminated against Black residents.

The decree, a federal court-approved settlement, would mandate steps to be taken by the department to improve. There is no set time limit on how long the decree will last, and the department can only be released from the oversight if it meets the decree's goals and the court finds it in compliance.

Greenberg said helping to implement the terms of that consent decree in the department will likely be one of her key responsibilities, along with efforts to fight gun violence, work with the community and improve LMPD's culture and staffing with more than 250 open positions.

Timeline: Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel named Louisville police chief. Here's how we got here | Timeline

Shields, who became chief in January 2021 under then-Mayor Greg Fischer, stepped down when Greenberg took office. Gwinn-Villaroel was appointed interim chief shortly afterward. She described Shields, her former boss, as a "great leader" who had given her a lot of advice in her career. The two were co-workers in Atlanta prior to joining LMPD.

Shortly after Gwinn-Villaroel was appointed interim chief, she mentioned being interested in applying for the permanent position if she felt like she was the right fit for the department.

"There’s no ego involved with me,” Gwinn-Villaroel said in January. “I want this department to flourish and to thrive.”

Greenberg praised her experience, with more than 25 years working in policing, along with her compassion, citing her response with victims in the immediate aftermath of the Old National Bank shooting on April 10. Five people and the shooter were killed and several others were injured in that incident, including an LMPD officer who is still recovering.

On Thursday, Gwinn-Villaroel said she plans to work with members of the Louisville community – including gun violence groups, elected officials, the NAACP, Louisville Urban League and other organizations – to build a better relationship and "get it right." She said her priorities include addressing gun violence and rebuilding community trust and that she wants to "move aggressively into what we call community policing."

Metro Council President Markus Winkler said hiring Gwinn-Villaroel permanently was a "good decision."

"I think that the choice brings continuity and leadership. And certainly, all of the interactions I’ve had with her have been positive," he said. "I think now that the question is resolved, it allows a level of certainty that allows the department and community to move forward."

Ryan Nichols, president of the River City Fraternal Order of Police — the union representing LMPD officers — said his organization was “pleased” with the mayor’s decision.

“We all understood that it was ultimately the mayor’s decision and we were providing our input and advice to him. And we all did that,” said Nichols, who served on Greenberg's seven-person advisory panel. “From the FOP’s perspective, we are pleased with the choice that Mayor Greenberg made.”

Nichols added he endorsed Gwinn-Villaroel as part of the committee.

Metro Council member Paula McCraney, who also was on the advisory committee, said Gwinn-Villaroel stood out among the finalists interviewed for the job.

"She's compassionate, intelligent and decisive," said McCraney, the Democratic caucus chair. "She has her officers' back. I've seen it time and time again. But she also holds them accountable that I've seen as well."

This story may be updated.

Reach reporter Eleanor McCrary at EMcCrary@courier-journal.com or on Twitter at @ellie_mccrary.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville police chief: Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel named to LMPD post