Episode 274. LMPD Chief Steve Conrad – Former Louisville Metro Chief of Police (2012-2020)
Chief Steve Conrad returned to his hometown on March 19, 2012, to become the Chief of Police for the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Chief Conrad began his career as a patrol officer with the former Louisville Division of Police (LPD) in 1980.
He worked through the ranks, rising to Assistant Chief in the LPD and later an Assistant Chief in the newly merged Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD).
As a Lieutenant Colonel with the LMPD, Conrad was Commander of the Administrative Bureau.
Chief Conrad left the LMPD in 2005 to become Chief of the Glendale (AZ) Police Department.
Conrad has a Bachelor of Science in Police Administration and a Master of Science in Community Development from the University of Louisville.
He attended the Southern Police Institute (SPI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) National Academy.
Chief Conrad is married and has a step-daughter.
Steve Conrad was the Chief of the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) in Louisville, Kentucky. His tenure as several significant events and controversies marked police chief.
Before this, he had a long career in law enforcement, with experience that included serving as police chief in Glendale, Arizona, and holding various roles within the Louisville police force before it merged to become LMPD.
During his time as chief, Conrad dealt with various challenges, including efforts to reduce violent crime in Louisville and navigating the complexities of policing in a large metropolitan area.
Controversies and Resignation:
Breonna Taylor Case:
One of the most notable incidents during Conrad’s tenure was the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor in March 2020. The raid that led to Taylor’s death drew national and international attention, leading to widespread protests and calls for police reform.
David McAtee Incident:
Another critical moment came on June 1, 2020, when David McAtee, a Black restaurant owner, was shot and killed by National Guard troops during protests in Louisville. It was later revealed that the officers’ body cameras were not activated. This failure led to increased scrutiny of Conrad’s leadeConrad’siring: Following the McAtee incident, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer fired Steve Conrad, citing the inability to activate body cameras as a violation of police policy. This action came amid intense public pressure and protests over both McAtee’s death and McAtee’s Breonna Taylor case.
Legacy:
Steve Conrad’s tenure as Conrad’s Chief was marked by significant public and media scrutiny, particularly in the national conversation on police accountability and racial justice. His leadership during these critical moments continues to be a subject of debate and analysis, particularly in terms of how it impacted police practices and community relations in Louisville.