About the LDMD Virtual Block Watch

This program is a true partnership in that Virtual Block Watch volunteers can send their alerts and notices to LDMD, while LDMD and the Louisville Metro Police Department can send or post information such as street closures, crime maps, alerts, and suspect photos. With the birth of the VBW, LDMD and the Louisville Metro Police Department are better able to use advanced technology to improve delivery of public safety services and build a stronger partnership with stakeholders by better communicating information in a timelier fashion.

Downtown Sector Groups Sector groups consist of property owners, retailers/merchants, residents and other interested parties in a particular geographical boundary of downtown. Monthly meetings are held to identify, discuss and help resolve issues within each sector. LDMD representatives are present at each meeting to facilitate/implement solutions to the problems, report progress and help identify positive stories that may be of interest to the media. Metro Louisville Police representatives also attend the meetings. Leaders for each sector group coordinate meetings, agendas and minutes. The leaders also meet on a monthly basis to review issues in their particular sector as well as share progress reports and develop strategies to solve problems.

Civic District The Civic District is comprised of the area within the following boundaries: Eastern Boundary: Divider line drawn, mid-block between 4th and 5th Streets, terminating at York Street on the South end and Market Street on the North end. Western Boundary: East Side of 7th Street from York Street to the South Side of Jefferson. East Side of Roy Wilkins Avenue from South Side of Jefferson Street to the South Side of Market Street. Northern Boundary: South Side of Market Street Southern Boundary: South Side of Jefferson from East Side of 7th Street to the East Side of Roy Wilkins Avenue. North Side of York Street from the East Side of 7th Street to the mid-block divider line described under Eastern Boundary. Meetings times and locations to be announced.		East Main District The East Main/Market District is comprised of the area within the following boundaries: Eastern Boundary: West Side of Bingham from River Road to Witherspoon Street. West Side of Floyd Street from Witherspoon Street to Jefferson Street. West Side of Brook Street from Jefferson Street to Liberty Street. Western Boundary: East Side of 2nd Street Northern Boundary: South Side of River Road from the East Side of 2nd Street to the West Side of Bingham. South Side of Witherspoon Street from Bingham to the West Side of Floyd Street. Southern Boundary: North Side of Liberty from the East Side of 2nd Street to the West Side of Brook Street. North Side of Jefferson Street from Brook Street to the West Side of Floyd Street. Meetings times and locations to be announced.
West Main District The West Main District is comprised of the area within the following boundaries: Eastern Boundary: West Side of 2nd Street Western Boundary: West Side of Roy Wilkins Avenue Northern Boundary: South Side of River Road Southern Boundary: North Side of Market Street Meetings times and locations to be announced.		4th Street District The 4th Street District is comprised of the area within the following boundaries: Eastern Boundary: West Side of 2nd Street Western Boundary: Divider line drawn, mid-block between 4th and 5th Streets, terminating at York Street on the South end and Market Street on the North end. Northern Boundary: South Side of Market Street Southern Boundary: North Side of York Street Meetings times and locations to be announced.

Downtown Ambassadors

The Louisville Downtown Management District’s downtown Ambassadors, clad in bright neon green shirts, provide environmental maintenance, supplemental safety, and hospitality services. The Clean Team provides litter patrol, weed abatement, removal of graffiti and handbills, pressure washing, and detailed cleaning by using mechanical equipment, such as sidewalk sweepers. The Safety Team patrols the streets on foot, bicycle and vehicle providing assistance and visibility to downtown workers, visitors, and residents. Both teams provide directions and assistance.

Virtual Block Watch

Community groups that network residents and businesses together strengthen their bonds with shared knowledge. And results-oriented partnerships between law enforcement and the community are the building blocks of Community-Oriented Policing.

LDMD and the Louisville Metro Police Department have adopted a concept developed in Minneapolis and implemented in Downtown Cincinnati, OH by Downtown Cincinnati, Inc. and the Cincinnati Police Department called the Virtual Block Watch (VBW) program. The VBW is a permanent "user-friendly" means of communication with the community. We hope to build up the confidence of the community by relaying, in a timely manner, relevant information within the community via the VBW. Even more, the VBW serves as a forum where community members can interact with LDMD and the Louisville Metro Police Department, and share successful strategies toward addressing issues in their buildings, blocks and sectors.

Louisville Metro Police Department

Police Chief Robert White has assigned the department’s Downtown Area Patrol (DAP) unit to enhance the 2nd Distict’s patrol area downtown, and expand his community policing effort. DAP is based out of the 2nd District station located at 435 South 3rd Street. The DAP unit deploys officers on foot, bike, ATV, and marked police cars. The department’s Mounted Patrol Unit also assist the DAP unit downtown. The 2nd District and DAP unit is commanded by Major Lewis Sharber.

The DAP unit’s mission is to provide police services tailored to enhance the safety and security of Louisville’s downtown and waterfront by working in partnership with groups such as Block by Block, Louisville Downtown Management District, and various business, civic, and community groups. It provides a foundation for the Chief’s vision of improving the quality life downtown, including the central business district and waterfront.

Register for the Virtual Block Watch

Contact Virtual Block Watch Manager

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