In a flagrant display of contempt for the open records law and the public's right to know:

"The Louisville Metro Police major who allegedly used offensive, derogatory language during a recruit class' training in May was demoted to lieutenant following an investigation by Metro Louisville's Human Resources department.

"But don't bother trying to get more information on what happened — according to HR, 'no final report or memorandum detailing the inquiry was written, nor any recommendations made.'

"That leaves the public in the dark.

"The Courier Journal earlier this month requested any completed Human Resources investigation into then-Major Aubrey Gregory's use of offensive language, including interview notes, conclusions and recommendations.

"That request was largely denied. Only LMPD Chief Erika Shields' June 1 letter demoting Gregory was turned over.

"No details on the nature of the incident — the language used, or the context — are provided.

Tasked with investigating the incident —instead of LMPD's Public Integrity Unit —"'Metro Human Resources orally shared with LMPD the information obtained during the factual inquiry; no final report or memorandum detailing the inquiry was written nor any recommendations made.'

"As for the notes taken by HR investigators: 'The notes taken by Metro HR in conducting its inquiry are being withheld … as they are simply the work notes taken by the employee conducting HR's inquiry into the allegations as a memory aid during the inquiry.'

Lest we forget — as Louisville Metro apparently has — "The city announced in April that it would begin releasing completed investigative files in full for cases of alleged employee misconduct.

"Fischer said at the time it may be 'uncomfortable for those employees,' but called it an 'important step in enhancing transparency and building community trust.'"

So much for trust. The conspiracy of secrecy here compounds public mistrust exponentially!