FBI Investigating London Police Department; NCIC Control Transferred

LONDON — The Federal Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating the London Police Department, according to reporting first confirmed by WKYT-TV.

Laurel County Sheriff John Root confirmed to WKYT that control of the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system for the city and county has been transferred from the London Police Department to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office.

The change was discussed during a special-called meeting of the London-Laurel County Communications Center Board held Tuesday afternoon. According to the meeting agenda, the sole item for discussion was “CJIS Management Control.”

The FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division oversees several national law enforcement databases used by public safety agencies across the country, including the National Crime Information Center. The U.S. Department of Justice describes NCIC as a centralized database that allows agencies to enter and search information on stolen property, missing or wanted persons, protection orders, criminal histories, and the National Sex Offender Registry.

WKYT reporter Samantha Valentino asked Sheriff Root whether the Communications Center Board approved transferring control of NCIC usage from London Police to the Sheriff’s Office and whether the move was made at the request of the Kentucky State Police due to an ongoing FBI investigation.

In response, Root confirmed both points.

“Yes, it was changed and we were advised by KSP to change from London PD to LCSO,” Root told WKYT. “There is in fact an ongoing investigation by the FBI into the matter.”

WKYT reported that requests for comment were sent to Kentucky State Police, the FBI, the London Police Department, London Mayor Randall Weddle, and the London-Laurel County Communications Center Board.

London-Laurel County 911 Director Larry Walls told WKYT, “At this time I can’t comment on the investigation.”

No further details about the nature of the FBI investigation have been released.  This is a developing story.