A grand jury in Alabama has recommended the abolishment of a small police department in Hanceville following a series of corruption allegations. The grand jury indicted Hanceville Police Chief and four officers on various charges, including mishandling evidence from the department's evidence room.
Cullman County District Attorney revealed the findings during a news conference, stating that the department exhibited a 'rampant culture of corruption' resembling a criminal enterprise rather than a law enforcement agency. The investigation uncovered concerning practices, such as unfettered access to the evidence room, evidenced by a hole in the wall and a makeshift tool used to open the door.
One of the most distressing discoveries was the department's negligence contributing to the death of a dispatcher in 2024 due to a suspected drug overdose. The dispatcher had access to the unsecured evidence room on his final day of work, highlighting the lack of proper protocols in place.
Three officers faced drug-related charges, although not related to substances stored in the evidence room. Additionally, one officer was accused of distributing hydrocodone and steroids to others, as per court records.
The city's mayor expressed disappointment over the tarnishing of the city's reputation by the actions of a few individuals within the Police Department. The city council pledged to swiftly address the issues highlighted by the grand jury and take necessary actions to restore trust in the department.
