Hanceville, Alabama (AP) — In a significant development, the small city of Hanceville has placed its entire police force on administrative leave. This action follows a grand jury's recommendation to disband the Hanceville Police Department, citing it as operating more like a "criminal enterprise" than a legitimate law enforcement agency.
In response to the grand jury's findings, Hanceville Mayor Jim Sawyer announced that the Cullman County Sheriff’s Department will temporarily assume law enforcement responsibilities. This interim measure will remain in place as city officials deliberate on the future course of action for the police department.
The grand jury's indictment includes charges against the Hanceville police chief and four officers. They are accused of various offenses, such as mishandling and removing materials from the department’s evidence room. Additional charges involve the misuse of state criminal databases and the distribution of controlled substances among themselves.
The grand jury highlighted a "rampant culture of corruption" within the department, recommending its immediate abolition. District Attorney Champ Crocker expressed deep concern over the situation, emphasizing the gravity of the department's unfettered access to the evidence room, which compromised the integrity of the evidence.
The investigation began after a dispatcher with access to the evidence room was found dead at work. An autopsy revealed that the cause of death was due to the combined toxic effects of fentanyl and other drugs. This incident prompted the involvement of the State Bureau of Investigations, leading to the grand jury proceedings.
District Attorney Crocker assured the residents of Hanceville and Cullman County of the seriousness with which this matter is being handled, stating that the community deserves effective and trustworthy public safety services.
The Hanceville City Council has scheduled a meeting on February 27 to discuss and decide upon the future of the police department. With a population of approximately 3,200 people, Hanceville is located about 45 miles (70 kilometers) north of Birmingham.
