MoxieTalk with Kirt Jacobs #433: Jackie Gwinn-Villaroel

MoxieTalk with Kirt Jacobs

***DISCLAIMER***

***THIS MOXIETALK WAS FILMED ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23rd, 2024 ***

*On June 12th, 2024, due to allegations of sexual harassment allegations of LMPD officers under her command, Chief Jackie Gwinn-Villaroel was placed on administrative leave by Louisville Metro Mayor Craig Greenberg.*

***On June 25, 2024, Chief Villaroel subsequently resigned from her position by submitting a detailed resignation letter.***

***In the spirit of transparency, and the fact it is of public record, we have attached herein a PDF of her June 25th, 2024 resignation letter***

Chief Vilaroel became the Chief of the Louisville Metro Police Department after being officially appointed to the position on July 20th, 2023.

***This made her the first permanent female African-American police chief in Kentucky history***

She joined the LMPD in 2021 as the deputy chief and served as interim chief starting in January 2023 following the departure of LMPD Chief Erika Shields.

Gwinn-Villaroel has over 24 years of experience in law enforcement. She previously served with the Atlanta Police Department and held various roles, including major, detective, and training academy director.

Gwinn-Villaroel’s tenure has been marked by a strong focus on rebuilding community trust and addressing violent crime in Louisville. She has emphasized the importance of police presence in the community and has implemented initiatives to improve relations between the police and residents. This includes engaging with local clergy and visiting community spaces like barber shops to foster dialogue and understanding.

One of her significant tasks as chief involves working under a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice to implement reforms to address civil rights violations within the department.

Her leadership style is characterized by a commitment to transparency and accountability and a focus on crime reduction and community engagement.

Gwinn-Villaroel has also prioritized securing more funding for officer training and developing youth programs to prevent crime.

Her approach aims to ensure that every citizen can feel safe and secure in their daily activities, reflecting her broader goal of creating a more harmonious and just community.

Previously, she served as Interim Chief, further implementing police reforms, creating the Non-Fatal Shooting Squad, & Stop-the-Violence Community Outreach.

Her career began with the Atlanta Police Dept., where she earned promotions through the ranks.

As the Mjr. over the Training Academy, she implemented new de-escalation training for recruits & veteran officers.

She also implemented duty-to-intercede training, which emphasizes de-escalation & officer accountability.

Gwinn-Villaroel holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice & a Master’s in Public Safety Administration.

She is affiliated with the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, and the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police.

Gwinn-Villaroel is a wife, mother, & an ordained Pastor.