A conservative legal organization, The Oversight Project, is challenging a proposed consent decree between the Department of Justice and the city of Louisville concerning police reforms following the death of Breonna Taylor. The group filed an amicus brief with a Kentucky court, arguing that the decree incorporates a "laundry list" of standards promoted by Black Lives Matter and will hinder effective policing.

The Oversight Project's Executive Director, Mike Howell, expressed concern that the decree would transform Louisville into a "sanctuary city for gangbangers," limiting officers' ability to react swiftly and decisively, especially when dealing with individuals deemed "behaviorally impaired." He also criticized the decree's new standards for handling youth offenders and stop-and-frisk restrictions, particularly in light of rising teenage murder rates.

A key point of contention is the five-year freeze on policy adjustments by local officials if the decree is approved. A court-appointed monitor, not elected representatives, would control policing policies under the agreement. Howell suggests this is a deliberate move by the Biden administration and Louisville's mayor to preempt potential opposition from a future Trump administration.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg defends the decree, claiming it builds upon recent reforms and will provide clear guidelines for officers. Police Chief Paul Humphrey echoed this sentiment, stating that it will enable officers to "focus on good police work, not paperwork." However, Jason Johnson, president of the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund, argues that the decree reflects an "activist wish list" rather than a practical solution and that less intrusive methods, like technical assistance letters, would be more effective.

Howell contends that the decree effectively bypasses the legislative process, giving undue power to the judiciary. He warns that the five-year lock-in period will prevent a future Trump administration from implementing its own law enforcement policies in Louisville. He also anticipates that criminals will exploit the decree's detailed policing standards to their advantage.