The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) began operations on January 6, 2003, as part of the creation of the consolidated city-county government in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. It was formed by the merger of the Jefferson County Police Department and the Louisville Division of Police. The Louisville Metro Police Department has been headed by Erika Shields since January 19, 2021. LMPD divides Jefferson County into eight patrol divisions and operates a number of special investigative and support units. The LMPD is currently under investigation from the United States Department of Justice to assess whether they engaged in a pattern of civil rights abuses.