HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Huntsville Police Department released its report to address 28 community suggestions and recommendations about the department’s policies, procedures and techniques.
The report came after a presentation by HPD Chief Mark McMurray and his command team at a Huntsville City Council work session. They reviewed the department’s operations and progressive initiatives it has undertaken in the past 12 years.
The questions and recommendations came from several different organizations in the community following the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the subsequent protests in Huntsville, and police reaction to those protests.
“Huntsville police strive to maintain a culture of continuous improvement,” said Police Chief Mark McMurray. “We recognize this can only be accomplished through routine engagement with citizens and organizations concerned with the manner of law enforcement employed throughout the community. We welcome this opportunity to address concerns and suggestions and look forward to ongoing change and conversation.”
The public will soon be able to see the Huntsville PD, policies and procedures, know as "Written Directives", online.
“You can’t know where you’re going until you know where you are,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “Huntsville police hold themselves to the highest law enforcement standards, and they hold themselves accountable to our community. This includes listening and working with residents, embracing and enacting progressive police procedures, and holding officers accountable for their actions. I am proud of this police department and their commitment to Huntsville.”
Chief McMurray encourages the public to read through the document and reach out if they have additional questions. “These are challenging times and communication is extremely important,” he said. “We recognize this document is but one step in the process and we will continue this dialogue through every available means. This includes social media, town halls, website, direct meetings with concerned citizens/organizations, and the wide variety of community relations programs in place within each precinct. It’s part of our commitment to making progressive and responsive changes for the betterment of our City and all of its citizens.”
Watch the work session and the Huntsville Police presentation below.
