Examining High-Volume Enforcement Activities in Louisville, Kentucky: 2009-2016

• In Event: Enforcement of Lower-Level Offenses in the United States: Findings from the Research Network on Misdemeanor Justice, Part I

Abstract

The enforcement and processing of lower-level offenses is an increasing point of emphasis in criminal justice conversations. The Research Network for Misdemeanor Justice was created to expand these conversations by providing data-driven reports to enhance policy discussions at the local, state, and national levels. As part of this network, this paper examines the enforcement practices of Louisville Metro Police Department between 2009 and 2016. The paper first catalogs the prevalence of six enforcement practices in Louisville: felony arrests, misdemeanor arrests and citations, moving violation arrests and citations, and bench warrants. Next, the paper discusses these enforcement practices in the context of race, gender, and age-related demographics. Finally, the paper discusses the potential consequences of high-volume activities in the context of police-community relations and broader criminal justice processes. 

Authors

• Thomas W. Hughes, University of Louisville

• Brian Schaefer, Indiana State University

• Dan Jude, University of Louisville