DECATUR, Ala. — Two months after releasing an outline of his six-point Executive Plan to improve the Decatur Police Department and its relationship with residents, Chief Todd Pinion has released an update on the progress.
In a post on the department's Facebook page, Pinion said:
A few months ago, I shared my Executive Plan with the residents of Decatur. At that time, I committed to keep you posted on the progress regarding this plan. I would like to give you a brief outline about what has been accomplished to date.
Communications: We have significantly improved our communications measures by hiring and utilizing the abilities of a professional in this area.
Structured Sessions with Concerned Citizens: By the end of November, I will conduct our first DPD “Listening Session” where I will meet with members of the community. I will listen to our community and answer questions regarding our plan and moving forward. Also, I have met with our police advisory board multiple times, and am listening to their input to strengthen our department.
Policies and Procedures Intervention: DPD recently successfully completed CALEA’s annual assessment for accreditation compliance. Interviews were also conducted with several members of the department on areas of interest from CALEA.
Police Leadership Support Plan: I’m pleased to announce that Leadership Training will occur in DPD within the next 30 days.
Officer Wellness Support System: This too, continues to be a focus of my administration as your Chief of Police. I will work to provide initiatives to meet the mental, physical, spiritual and psychological well-being of all Decatur Police officers.
Securing Confidence in the Plan: I have started speaking with community organizations such as a local Rotary meeting. I enjoyed attending our “Coffee with a Cop” event last week and look forward to another one on October 17. My officers and I plan on attending as many Fall Festivals as possible, and enjoying the opportunity to connect with you.
Thank you for your support of the Decatur Police Department. I would like close by reminding you of what our department commits to every single day: “The mission of the Decatur Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in our community by providing an environment where people can live safely and without fear.”
Previous story:
Decatur Chief of Police Todd Pinion on Tuesday afternoon released a revised executive plan that he hopes will build bridges in a community where distrust has simmered since a 2023 fatal shooting during a botched police action.
The expanded plan follows the presentation of an initial reform plan in May. It included six major components that Pinion said are already being rolled out. They include developing a crisis management system, conducting a thorough review of policies and procedures, and conducting structured sessions with concerned citizens.
Pinion said the department has received "valuable feedback" since the wrongful death of Steve Perkins outside his home. Four officers were fired and court proceedings related to the shooting are ongoing.
Since the shooting, there's been calls from the community for Pinion to resign. In July, FOX54 News conducted separate one-on-one interviews with the widow of Steve Perkins, Catrela Perkins, and Chief Pinion addressing those concerns.
Here's what Chief Pinion had to say Tuesday:
"While it is impossible to guarantee that our community will never face another crisis like the one resulting in the loss of Mr. Perkins, I firmly believe that we can reduce the likelihood of such incidents and enhance our ability to respond effectively to trust and transparency issues," Pinion said. "Together, we can work toward a safer and more trusting community environment."
Pinion stressed that the Citizens Advisory Council will provide what he called "crucial input to our forward progress."
He said he is working to ensure that the department exemplifies "honesty, integrity, transparence, and dedication to the community's well-being."
Pinion plans to make numerous public presentations of the plan over the next few months.
Decatur Police Department Executive Plan components:
• Develop a Crisis Management Communication System
• Conduct Structured Sessions with Concerned Citizens
• Conduct a Thorough Review of Current Police Policies and Procedures
• Implement a Support System for Decatur Police Department Leadership
• Implement an Officer Wellness Program
• Secure Confidence in the Comprehensive Plan
