It's no secret that relations between the Decatur Police Department and some residents of the city have been strained in the months since Steve Perkins was killed by former officer Mac Marquette.
Since that time, there have been protests, demonstrations, arrests, an indictment against the officer, calls for the resignation of Mayor Tab Bowling and Chief Todd Pinion, complaints at city council meetings, and small victories for residents concerned about community policing in the form of changes to a parade and repossession ordinances.
One thing that people have been promised but not given, until now, was a plan of how things would change. Even city council members have expressed their frustration over the lack of movement in this area.
On Friday May 24, Chief Todd Pinion released what he called a "fluid plan" to provide insight into the direction he intends to move with the department. He says some of the items are already in motion, while others may "take some time to put into place".
In the statement, Pinion previews "six major components aimed to help move our community toward healing", and that he has had numerous meetings with residents hear their suggestions and input.
Below is a copy of the statement:
This plan statement follows a statement earlier in the week addressing negative interactions between certain Decatur Police officers and members of the community. In it, Pinion says that while the residents' concerns are being reviewed, certain officers have been reassigned to administrative duties and the results of the review will be sent to the Legal Department to determine if any personnel action is appropriate, From there, any determination goes to Mayor Bowling to decide if a hearing with the employee is justified to give them a chance to respond.