ORDINIANCE NO. ______ ,SERIES 2020
TITLE
AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING THE INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN LIMITATIONS ON POLICE USE OF FORCE INTO LOUISVILLE METRO POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICIES (AMENDMENT BY SUBSTITUTION) (AS AMENDED).
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SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL MEMBERS GREEN, COAN, AND
SEXTON SMITH
WHEREAS, statistical analysis conducted by Campaign Zero indicates that if the combined use of force policies enumerated in this proposed ordinance were implemented nationwide, 72% fewer deaths would result than if none of the policies were in place; and
WHEREAS, more restrictive use of force policies have resulted in significant reductions in civilian deaths and injuries in cities across the United States; and
WHEREAS, in 1979 criminologist James Fyfe found that, in New York City, police officers were less likely to be killed or injured after that city implemented a more restrictive use of force policy; and
WHEREAS, more restrictive use of force policies are intended to improve community interactions with the police.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT ("THE COUNCIL") AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I. A new section of Chapter 36 of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances is created as follows:
Section 36.XX. Required policies; limitations on police use of force.
(A) For the purposes of this section of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:
Use of Force. Physical force used upon, or directed toward, the body of another person.
De-escalation. A desired outcome achieved by utilizing decision-making, communication, and tactics to resolve conflict or potential conflict, which is ethically based on the preservation of life and the avoidance of the use of force.
Chemical Agent. A departmentally-approved less-lethal weapon, which consis...
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