Community pushes for reappointment of Inspector General Ed Harness
As Ed Harness nears the expiration of his term as Louisville's Inspector General in November, advocacy groups and community leaders are rallying to secure his reappointment.
As Ed Harness nears the expiration of his term as Louisville's Inspector General in November, advocacy groups and community leaders are rallying to secure his reappointment.
As Ed Harness nears the expiration of his term as Louisville's Inspector General in November, advocacy groups and community leaders are rallying to secure his reappointment.
As Ed Harness nears the expiration of his term as Louisville's Inspector General in November, advocacy groups and community leaders are rallying to secure his reappointment.
Harness, who was appointed in 2021 following the death of Breonna Taylor, investigates allegations of misconduct by Louisville Metro Police Department officers.
In March, the Louisville branch of the NAACP officially urged the city to reappoint Harness. Now, the Kentucky Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression has held a public call to action in the West End, emphasizing the importance of retaining his position.
“I am in agreeance with keeping Inspector General Harness for many reasons. He is the most informed, the most ready, the person that can give us the justice that we’ve been asking for for a very long time,” said Shameka Parrish-Wright, the councilwoman for District Three.
Advocates are raising concerns over the uncertainty surrounding Harness's future, stressing that his role is essential to fostering transparency and trust within the LMPD.
“There is money in our budget for the Inspector General’s position, just as well as there’s money already allotted for a monitor. We want to make sure the Inspector General’s position does not get lost in everything that’s going on,” said Parrish-Wright.
Harness's work has been credited with contributing to ongoing reform efforts, but some fear progress may stall without his leadership.
“They keep telling us it’s going to take time to make LMPD the most trusted, transparent police department. Well, it won’t get there if you keep stopping the things that are working,” Parrish-Wright said.
The Kentucky Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression said they hope to continue building on the advancements made under Harness’s tenure.
“Not knowing whether or not we’re going to have Mr. Harness as the Inspector General creates uncertainty that we don’t need in an already uncertain political climate,” said Attica Scott, former Kentucky State representative.
As of now, Mayor Craig Greenberg has not announced a decision regarding Harness’s reappointment. WLKY reached out to the mayor's office and has not heard back for a comment.