LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear says his administration has discussed the possibility of Kentucky State Police (KSP) patrolling Louisville interstates, a move that could free up hundreds of short-staffed Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) officers to focus on violent crime in neighborhoods.
Proposal Gains Attention
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The idea, first floated by Metro Council Republicans, also has backing from some local business owners who believe troopers could help manage traffic and prevent crashes in construction-heavy areas.
“Having the troopers there to kind of direct that, or at least prevent some of that, would be helpful,” said Carol Reeves, owner of Shady Lane Cafe near the congested I-71/I-264 interchange.
Beshear’s Take
Beshear did not dismiss the plan during his Sept. 11 Team Kentucky update.
“That’s something that we’ve discussed,” the governor said. “It’s one of those reasonable type of solutions, along with raising pay for law enforcement and first responders, that can help make our communities potentially safer… not just for a day or a week, but in the long term.”
LMPD’s Staffing Struggles
With up to 300 officer vacancies, LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey says state trooper support would be welcome, particularly for traffic enforcement and fatal crash investigations that consume significant resources.
“Any relief that we can get to do that type of enforcement work will hopefully reduce the number of traffic fatalities and ultimately keep people safer,” Humphrey said.
Safety Concerns
The presence of troopers could also protect construction workers in high-risk zones. Reeves noted that reckless drivers often worsen backups by trying to push through traffic lights, creating hazards for commuters and workers alike.
What’s Next?
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said LMPD would benefit from outside help but stressed that the department and KSP operate under different policies and training.
For now, the plan remains just a proposal, with no official timeline for implementation.
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