Criminal Justice

While the detention center in Newport works to hire more staff, organizations like Kentucky Youth Advocates are encouraging Kentucky's politicians to look for new solutions to the Commonwealth's ongoing issues in juvenile justice.

Louisville Metro Government settled a lawsuit with five women who accused a former police officer of rape and sexual misconduct. They will collectively receive $275,000.

The Office of the Inspector General is establishing a community policing council in each of the eight police divisions in Louisville. The councils will be self-governed and will make recommendations to Louisville Metro Police Department through the Civilian Review and Accountability Board.

Mayor Craig Greenberg announced on Thursday new efforts to improve mental health treatment at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections, and increase transparency about who is incarcerated at the city’s jail.

Following the arrest of a former Metro Corrections officer last week, advocates are shifting the spotlight to holistic reforms – like more health care services and fewer arrests – to improve conditions at the downtown Louisville jail.

Police identified six people, including a suspected shooter, who died in a mass shooting at an Old National Bank in downtown Louisville Monday. Several others were transported to University of Louisville Hospital with injuries from the incident.

Police officers could face jail time if they enforce federal firearms bans, under a measure that cleared both chambers Wednesday.

A bill requiring kids who are charged with certain offenses to be imprisoned for up to two days is nearing final passage in the Kentucky Legislature. Judges and advocates worry the policy would hurt kids, but supporters say it would keep communities safe.

The Kentucky House passed a $39 million measure that includes spending to improve facilities and boost staffing in the state’s troubled juvenile justice system.

Katie Crews was sentenced to two years of probation Monday for her actions leading up to the death of local restaurant owner David “YaYa” McAtee in June 2020.