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."
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.
