Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel, a 26-year law enforcement veteran, has been officially selected as the new chief of the Louisville Metro Police Department, making history as the first Black woman to hold the position permanently. After serving as the department's interim chief since January, Gwinn-Villaroel was chosen following an extensive nationwide search that included interviews with 20 candidates by an advisory committee made up of elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and affected residents.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg expressed his confidence in Gwinn-Villaroel, stating that she possesses the qualities he is looking for in a chief and that the community is seeking in a leader. He commended her accomplishments during her time as interim chief, which included the establishment of a nonfatal shooting unit and the expansion of a "Crisis Call Diversion Program."

Before joining the Louisville police, Gwinn-Villaroel spent 24 years with the Atlanta Police Department. She had worked under former Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields, who hired her as a deputy chief. Shields resigned following the police shooting death of Rayshard Brooks in 2020.

Gwinn-Villaroel's appointment comes at a critical time for the Louisville Metro Police Department, which has faced significant scrutiny and unrest since the tragic killing of 26-year-old Breonna Taylor in 2020. In March, the U.S. Department of Justice concluded an investigation that found the police department and the city's government had engaged in conduct that violated citizens' constitutional and civil rights.

Gwinn-Villaroel acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed her dedication to building trust between the police department and the community through community policing, transparency, and accountability. She emphasized the importance of working on relationships and earning the community's trust.

The selection of Gwinn-Villaroel as the permanent chief brings hope for positive change and reform within the Louisville Metro Police Department. As the first Black woman to hold this leadership role, she brings a unique perspective and experience that may contribute to rebuilding community trust and reducing violent crime in the city.

However, Gwinn-Villaroel faces significant challenges, including recruiting new officers to fill approximately 250 job openings and addressing the issues highlighted in the Department of Justice report. The report described a pattern of constitutional rights violations, excessive use of force, invalid searches, and discrimination within the department.

Despite these challenges, Gwinn-Villaroel remains optimistic and determined to make a difference. She expressed her gratitude to Mayor Greenberg for giving her the opportunity to lead and acknowledged the individuals who paved the way for her to reach this historic milestone. With the support of the community and her dedicated team, Gwinn-Villaroel aims to bring about positive change and ensure that the Louisville Metro Police Department serves its citizens with integrity, fairness, and respect.