The entire police department in Hanceville, Alabama, has been placed on administrative leave following a grand jury's recommendation to abolish it. The grand jury described the department as "more of a criminal enterprise than a law enforcement agency" after indicting the police chief and four officers on corruption charges. The officers are accused of mishandling evidence and distributing controlled substances among themselves.
The police department had a total of eight officers as of August.
Hanceville, a small city with a population of about 3,200, is located approximately 45 miles north of Birmingham. The Cullman County Sheriff's Department will temporarily handle law enforcement duties in the city. Mayor Jim Sawyer announced that the city council will meet on February 27 to discuss the department's future.
The investigation began after a dispatcher was found dead from a drug overdose in August, revealing that many employees had access to the evidence room. The grand jury found that the department's mismanagement left the evidence unusable, potentially affecting pending cases. District Attorney Champ Crocker stated, "We think it’s certainly possible that cases could have to be dismissed."
The grand jury's findings have raised concerns about public safety in Hanceville. Crocker emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that the citizens of Hanceville deserve effective public safety measures. The city council's upcoming meeting will be crucial in determining the next steps for the police department.