HANCEVILLE, Ala. (AP) — The city of Hanceville, Alabama, has placed its entire police force on administrative leave following a grand jury's recommendation to disband the department. The grand jury stated that the police department had “operated as more of a criminal enterprise than a law enforcement agency.” This drastic measure comes after allegations of corruption and misconduct within the department.
Hanceville Mayor Jim Sawyer announced on Thursday that the Cullman County Sheriff’s Department will temporarily assume law enforcement duties while city officials consider their options moving forward. The decision was spurred by the grand jury's findings, which culminated in the indictment of Hanceville Police Chief and four officers. The charges against them include mishandling and removal of materials from the department’s evidence room, misuse of state criminal databases, and distribution of controlled substances among themselves.
The grand jury's report detailed a "rampant culture of corruption" within the Hanceville police, urging for the department's immediate abolition. District Attorney Champ Crocker commented on the disturbing circumstances, noting that there had been significant access to evidence without proper controls. He refrained from providing specifics but stated that the probe began after the State Bureau of Investigations was called in to examine the death of a dispatcher who had access to the evidence room.
The dispatcher was found dead at work, with an autopsy later revealing that he died from the combined toxic effects of fentanyl and other drugs. This incident led to heightened scrutiny and a formal investigation into the police department’s practices. In light of these revelations, District Attorney Crocker emphasized the need for effective and accountable public safety in Hanceville and Cullman County.
The city council of Hanceville plans to convene on February 27 to deliberate on the future of the police department. Hanceville is a small city with a population of about 3,200, located roughly 45 miles north of Birmingham. As of August, the police department had a total of eight officers.
This unprecedented situation highlights the serious implications of misconduct within law enforcement agencies and the critical role of oversight in maintaining public trust and safety. The recent actions could lead to significant changes in how policing is conducted in Hanceville, as the community awaits the outcome of the investigations and the decisions made by city officials.
