Grand Jury Calls for Abolishment of Hanceville Police Department Due to Corruption

Hanceville Police Department faces disbandment after indictments of Chief and officers for corruption and negligence tied to a dispatcher's overdose.

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Grand jury recommends abolishing Alabama police department: 'Culture of corruption'

USA TODAY

Jury calls for disbandment of Alabama city's police department

Newsweek

Grand jury recommends abolishing Alabama police department because of a 'culture of corruption'

Associated Press

Overview

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A grand jury in Alabama has recommended abolishing the Hanceville Police Department after indicting Police Chief Jason Marlin and four officers on numerous charges. The indictments include corruption, tampering with evidence, and drug-related offenses, occurring in the wake of 911 dispatcher Christopher Willingham's fatal overdose, linked to the department's negligence. The grand jury's findings criticize the department's culture of corruption and operational inadequacy, calling for immediate action to ensure public safety and accountability among law enforcement. Mayor Jimmy Sawyer emphasized a commitment to addressing these serious issues.

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Grand jury recommends abolishing Alabama police department: 'Culture of corruption'

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Grand jury recommends abolishing Alabama police department: 'Culture of corruption'

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Jury calls for disbandment of Alabama city's police department

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Jury calls for disbandment of Alabama city's police department

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Grand jury recommends abolishing Alabama police department because of a 'culture of corruption'

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Grand jury recommends abolishing Alabama police department because of a 'culture of corruption'

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: The Hanceville Police Chief, Jason Shane Marlin, was charged with two counts of failure to report ethics crime and tampering with physical evidence. Other officers faced charges including tampering with evidence, drug-related offenses, and misuse of office for personal gain.
Cullman Tribune, 1819 News
: The grand jury recommended abolishing the Hanceville Police Department due to a 'rampant culture of corruption' and operational failures, including the mishandling of evidence and drug-related crimes. The department was described as operating more like a 'criminal enterprise' than a law enforcement agency[1].
Police1, Newsday, WBHM
: The City of Hanceville plans to cooperate fully with investigations and consider the grand jury's recommendations. Mayor Jimmy Sawyer stated that the city council will act swiftly and decisively to address the problems within the police department.
Newsday, WBHM

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