Alabama Places Entire Police Force on Administrative Leave Following Grand Jury Recommendations -

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February 20, Alabama: In a shocking turn of events, the entire police force of Hanceville, Alabama, has been placed on administrative leave after a grand jury recommended the department be disbanded due to a “rampant culture of corruption.” The grand jury’s findings have led to the indictment of the city’s police chief and four officers on a variety of serious charges, including mishandling evidence and drug distribution.

Hanceville Mayor Jim Sawyer announced on Thursday that the Cullman County Sheriff’s Department would temporarily take over law enforcement duties in the city while officials consider their next steps. This decision follows a grand jury report that described the Hanceville Police Department as operating “more like a criminal enterprise than a law enforcement agency.” The report cited widespread corruption and mismanagement, particularly within the department’s evidence room, where officials say materials were mishandled or removed improperly.

The investigation into the Hanceville Police Department began when a dispatcher with access to the evidence room was found dead at work. An autopsy later revealed the cause of death to be the combined toxic effects of fentanyl and other drugs, sparking further concerns about the department’s practices. According to Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker, the grand jury found that the department’s misconduct had rendered crucial evidence unusable. Officers are facing multiple charges, including misuse of state criminal databases and the distribution of controlled substances among themselves.

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“It is disturbing on many levels,” Crocker said in a statement. “The citizens of Hanceville deserve to have public safety.” The investigation has brought to light deep issues within the department, leading to calls for reform and increased accountability.

The city council is scheduled to meet on February 27 to discuss the future of the Hanceville Police Department. With a population of just 3,200 people, Hanceville residents are now left to grapple with the fallout of the scandal and the temporary suspension of their local police force.