DECATUR, Ala. — During a Friday afternoon news conference, Decatur City Council President Jacob Ladner announced that the city council is expected to vote in June on an independent comprehensive review of the Decatur Police Department by the Huntsville firm Green Research and Technology. He also announced progress on a revamped citizen review board.
Ladner said that the review is, "...an effort to provide answers to many claims and assertions that have been made about DPD. This review will bring clarity to the questions that I am many others have. My expectation is that there will likely be things to improve on and also strengths to build on." He added that the review is not about the September 29 2023 incident, when Steve Perkins was shot and killed. "It can't be that. This is a holistic look at policies, procedures, culture, all those things....The point of this is to really provide clarity for leaders, the department, and the community of how to move forward."
Chief Pinion and Mayor Bowling were informed that Ladner was planning to announce this and place an item on the council agenda to vote on doing a review.
Ladner stated that during the review, the Green Research and Technology will not be giving media inquiries or press conferences.