Louisville, December 19, 2025
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman reflects on significant accomplishments from 2025 and outlines future priorities, including enhancing public safety in Louisville and tackling the state’s drug crisis. Key initiatives include the establishment of a Violent Crime Reduction Team, combating the drug epidemic with the ‘Better Without It’ initiative, creating an Organized Retail Crime Task Force, and enhancing online safety for children. Coleman is also committed to supporting law enforcement agencies across Kentucky.
Louisville, Kentucky – Attorney General Russell Coleman Reflects on 2025 Achievements and Outlines 2026 Priorities
As 2025 concludes, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman highlighted his office’s significant accomplishments and outlined key initiatives for the upcoming year. Central to his agenda is enhancing public safety, particularly in Louisville, and addressing the state’s ongoing drug crisis.
Violent Crime Reduction in Louisville
In October 2024, Coleman established the Violent Crime Reduction Team in Louisville. This team has achieved notable progress, securing 115 indictments against individuals involved in violent crimes. The initiative aims to target the most violent offenders, referred to as “trigger pullers,” to reduce both fatal and non-fatal shootings in the city. Coleman emphasized the importance of collaboration with local law enforcement and federal partners to effectively address these issues.
Combating the Drug Crisis
Addressing the drug crisis remains a top priority. Coleman, alongside 25 other states, worked to close a fentanyl shipping loophole, aiming to prevent the influx of this dangerous substance into Kentucky. Additionally, his office launched the “Better Without It” initiative, leveraging the influence of college athletes and coaches on social media to encourage young people to avoid drugs. This program seeks to reach individuals aged 13 to 26, promoting a drug-free lifestyle through positive messaging.
Organized Retail Crime Task Force
Recognizing the significant impact of organized retail crime, which costs the state approximately $2 billion annually, Coleman is advocating for the creation and funding of an Organized Retail Crime Task Force. This unit would collaborate with county commonwealth’s attorneys to identify and prosecute organized theft groups, aiming to protect both consumers and businesses across Kentucky.
Enhancing Online Safety for Children
Protecting children from online exploitation is another critical focus. Coleman’s office filed lawsuits against platforms like TikTok and Roblox, alleging that these companies knowingly permitted environments conducive to the exploitation of minors. The goal is not to eliminate these platforms but to enforce safer online spaces for children.
Support for Law Enforcement
Supporting law enforcement agencies statewide is a continued priority. Recognizing that approximately 20% of departments lacked proper body armor, Coleman’s office advocated for state funding to equip officers with essential protective gear. This initiative underscores the commitment to ensuring the safety of those who serve and protect the community.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As Kentucky moves into 2026, Coleman remains dedicated to proactive and collaborative approaches to public safety. His office plans to build upon the successes of 2025, focusing on reducing violent crime, combating the drug crisis, and enhancing online safety for children. Continued support for law enforcement and the establishment of specialized task forces are central to these efforts, aiming to create a safer environment for all Kentuckians.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Violent Crime Reduction Team in Louisville?
The Violent Crime Reduction Team, established in October 2024, is a collaborative initiative between Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman’s office, local law enforcement, and federal partners. Its primary goal is to target and prosecute the most violent offenders in Louisville, referred to as “trigger pullers,” to reduce both fatal and non-fatal shootings in the city.
What is the “Better Without It” initiative?
The “Better Without It” initiative is a program launched by Attorney General Coleman’s office that leverages the influence of college athletes and coaches on social media to encourage young people, particularly those aged 13 to 26, to avoid drugs. The program aims to promote a drug-free lifestyle through positive messaging and peer influence.
What is the proposed Organized Retail Crime Task Force?
The proposed Organized Retail Crime Task Force is a specialized unit that Attorney General Coleman’s office is advocating for, aiming to address the significant impact of organized retail crime in Kentucky, which costs the state approximately $2 billion annually. The task force would collaborate with county commonwealth’s attorneys to identify and prosecute organized theft groups, aiming to protect both consumers and businesses across the state.
What actions has the Attorney General’s office taken regarding online safety for children?
Attorney General Coleman’s office has filed lawsuits against platforms like TikTok and Roblox, alleging that these companies knowingly permitted environments conducive to the exploitation of minors. The objective is to enforce safer online spaces for children, ensuring that these platforms take responsibility for protecting young users from exploitation.
How is the Attorney General’s office supporting law enforcement agencies?
Recognizing that approximately 20% of law enforcement departments in Kentucky lacked proper body armor, Attorney General Coleman’s office advocated for state funding to equip officers with essential protective gear. This initiative underscores the commitment to ensuring the safety of law enforcement personnel who serve and protect the community.
Key Features of the 2025 Initiatives
| Initiative | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime Reduction Team | Established in October 2024 to target and prosecute the most violent offenders in Louisville. | Secured 115 indictments, aiming to reduce fatal and non-fatal shootings in the city. |
| “Better Without It” Initiative | A program leveraging college athletes and coaches on social media to encourage young people to avoid drugs. | Promotes a drug-free lifestyle among individuals aged 13 to 26 through positive messaging. |
| Organized Retail Crime Task Force | A proposed unit to address the $2 billion annual impact of organized retail crime in Kentucky. | Aims to collaborate with county commonwealth’s attorneys to identify and prosecute organized theft groups. |
| Online Safety for Children | Filed lawsuits against platforms like TikTok and Roblox for permitting environments conducive to the exploitation of minors. | Seeks to enforce safer online spaces for children, holding companies accountable for protecting young users. |
| Support for Law Enforcement | Advocated for state funding to equip law enforcement agencies with proper body armor. | Ensures the safety of law enforcement personnel by providing essential protective gear. |
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