Bill allowing state takeover of police departments moving through Alabama legislature

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Pike Road) said some police departments need help from the state and he hopes to give cities that help.

“Corruption is inexcusable in a police department,” said Ingram. “In any department corruption is inexcusable. But, we’ve gotta make sure that we have oversight for that reason.”

With Ingram’s bill, that oversight would come from the governor and attorney general. They could appoint an interim police chief in cities with high crime. Ingram said this would work in cities like Hanceville, where the chief and four officers are accused of mishandling evidence.

“Now, there’s a lot of good ones out there. Lot of good cities that are doing it right. They don’t have any vacancy or vacuum with everyone leaving,” he said. “But, when you have a police department that’s down 50% and you haven’t changed in population, something’s wrong.”

Rep. Kelvin Datcher (D-Birmingham) said cities should be supported. But, accountability should be handled at the local level. “You know, I vote for the mayor of the community that I live in,” he said. “And I expect that person to carry out those responsibilities. And it’s my opportunity to hold that person responsible when they’re up for re-election.”

He said the bill nullifies the vote of local residents. “While we can show our interest from the state level, we can provide resources. Whether it’s advice, expertise, whether it’s financial resources, or other kinds of resources, I think that’s our role from the state level,” said Datcher.

Ingram said the interim chief would serve no more than six months. On the state level, Rep. Ingram said some cities just need training. “There’s a lot of municipalities that are even smaller,” he explained. “That don’t even have the experience in that city or that county. That we can bring somebody in to help them and recruit.”

The bill passed out of committee and now heads to the House floor. Ingram said he is talking to his fellow lawmakers before it’s voted on. He said he wants to make sure the bill is done right.