Episode 433. Former Police Chief of Louisville Metro Police Department (2023-2024)

***Chief Vilaroel became the Chief of the Louisville Metro Police Department after being officially appointed to the position on July 20th, 2023.***

***This made her the first permanent female African-American police chief in the history of the Commonwealth of Kentucky***

***DISCLAIMER***

***THIS MOXIETALK WAS FILMED ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23rd, 2024 ***

*On June 12th, 2024, due to concerns regarding her handling of a sexual harassment allegation within her department under her command, Chief Jackie Gwinn-Vilaroel was placed on administrative leave by Louisville Metro Mayor Craig Greenberg.*

**On June 25, 2024, Chief Vilaroel ​​​submitted a detailed resignation letter.**

***In the spirit of transparency, and the fact it is of public record, we have attached ​in​ full her June 25th, 2024 ​detailed resignation letter***

She joined the LMPD in 2021 as the deputy chief and served as interim chief starting in January 2023 following the departure of LMPD Chief Erika Shields.

Gwinn-Vilaroel has over 24 years of experience in law enforcement. She previously served with the Atlanta Police Department and held various roles, including major, detective, and training academy director.

Gwinn-Vilaroel’s tenure has been marked by a strong focus on rebuilding community trust and addressing violent crime in Louisville. She has emphasized the importance of police presence in the community and has implemented initiatives to improve relations between the police and residents. This includes engaging with local clergy and visiting community spaces like barber shops to foster dialogue and understanding.

One of her significant tasks as chief involves working under a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice to implement reforms to address civil rights violations within the department.

Her leadership style is characterized by a commitment to transparency and accountability and a focus on crime reduction and community engagement.

Gwinn-Vilaroel has also prioritized securing more funding for officer training and developing youth programs to prevent crime.

Her approach aims to ensure that every citizen can feel safe and secure in their daily activities, reflecting her broader goal of creating a more harmonious and just community.

Previously, she served as Interim Chief, further implementing police reforms, creating the Non-Fatal Shooting Squad, & Stop-the-Violence Community Outreach.

Her career began with the Atlanta Police Dept., where she earned promotions through the ranks.

As the Major over the Training Academy, she implemented new de-escalation training for recruits & veteran officers.

She also implemented duty-to-intercede training, which emphasizes de-escalation & officer accountability.

Gwinn-Vilaroel holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice & a Master’s in Public Safety Administration.

She is affiliated with the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, and the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police.

Gwinn-Vilaroel is a wife, mother, & an ordained Pastor.

In June 2024, she was placed on administrative leave due to concerns regarding her handling of a sexual harassment allegation within the department.

Deputy Chief Paul Humphrey was appointed as acting chief during the investigation.