As an observer and lover of data, I was quite anxious to review the Louisville Metro Police Department’s OIS (Officer Involved Shooting) transparency report that is available to the public online. Most of this knowledge may not be surprising or new to many, but I observed some significant vital points that may address why it is taking so long for Breonna Taylor’s case to conclude.
First, let’s discuss the demographics. According to a 2019 Census.gov quick facts sheet, the population for Louisville/Jefferson County, Kentucky, is an estimate of 617,638 people. Within this population, we have a mixture of 70% White residents, 24% Black residents, and close to 3% Asian residents. In this article, I will not mention other races due to the data correlation present within the transparency report. Meaning, the LMPD data reflects the actions of White, Black, and Asian officers only.
The OIS (Officer Involved Shooting) online report dates back to the year 2011 in which there are only three occurrences. However, in 2015 a total of six cases evolved, and all remain closed, but one is pending. One example dated September 13, 2015, is open according to the data and contains no narrative of information. The critical factor is that this case involves an Asian female LMPD officer.
Now in the year 2016, only two OIS (Officer Involved Shooting) cases are reported, but one remains open, and the investigation is also pending. The OIS incident that occurred on August 20, 2016, involves a White male officer.
Here is where things get interesting. In the year 2017, eight OIS cases are on display, and guess how many are closed? On February 11, 2017, three White officers were a part of a death investigation where there is no narrative written; however, the case is closed. All seven other incidents in the year are currently open, and an investigation is pending. Six out of the seven OIS (Officer Involved Shooting) cases involve Black suspects and White officers.
Then question that immediately pops up is, “What happened in the year 2017 for the LMPD to see a spike in occurrences and open cases?” It is then that I realize the only significant change that is historically present in the country that affects us all is the Presidency of Donald Trump, which began on January 20, 2017. Therefore on March 1, 2017, Open is the case status that is severely consistent within the LMPD and continues further in 2020.
Another finding that is also intriguing to behold is the number of years officers Jon Mattingly (19 Years), Myles Cosgrove (14 Years), and Brett Hankison (17 Years) have combined in service. Dutifully noted is that a majority of LMPD officers have less than ten years of experience. So it is quite astounding to comprehend how these three officers, with a total of 50 years in experience, requested a no-knock warrant that resulted in the death of Breonna Taylor, who was not the intended suspect but an “associate” of the deemed person of interest. Granted, we all make mistakes within our career of choice; however, in my opinion, several rookie mistakes are present that are incomprehensible. Please be aware that Kenneth Walker is Breonna’s Taylor boyfriend, who was at home that night of March 13 with Breonna. In the report, Kenneth is a suspect, and this title is void because it is known that Kenneth did not commit a crime.
It is fascinating to point out that on August 15, 2013, Viper Unit Detectives received a packet of logistical information and photos for two suspects wanted in a murder. The officers then used these details, as described in the narrative, to correctly identify the assailant, which resulted in a crossfire of bullets, a capture of the suspect, and no death. Did officers Mattingly, Hankison, and Cosgrove receive packets for identifying the person in question correctly?
Whenever you identify someone having the same spelling and pronunciation of your last name, you ask, “Are we related?” It is then that I discovered the similarity of Jon Mattingly, the officer involved in the death of Breonna Taylor, also possessing the same last name as LMPD officer William Mattingly (20+ Years) who retired from the LMPD but returned in 2017. William Mattingly also has an OIS case that is still open according to the data listed. Are Jon and William related? Is Jon receiving special treatment due to his possible familial relation if this is true?
In conclusion, there are many questions and very few answers readily available. As a lover of Hip-Hop, I need to bring up a lyric that rings so true from the rapper Lil Wayne that states, “Women lie, men lie, numbers don’t lie.” Take what you will from this report. The LMPD data confirms why Breonna Taylor’s case is seen as a regular occurrence.
View the Transparency Report below to process the data that is represented. And if you would like a copy of the rules and procedures that the LMPD should follow when an investigation is warranted for an officer shooting, this YouTube clip will be informative to watch as well.
LMPD Transparency Report
