Decatur Police Chief Todd Pinion announced his resignation following nearly 18 months of protests and a controversial independent review criticizing his leadership. The protests in question began after the September 2023 police shooting of Steve Perkins.
“Life brings many difficult decisions,” Pinion said in the statement. “I am faced with one today. I have loved serving as your Police Chief. I look back over the past three years and see a number of significant accomplishments – accomplishments I believe have made Decatur a better place to live and work.
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He critiqued activists for working to push him out of his position but also said his resignation was ultimately for the betterment of the city.
“I have heard that this city cannot move forward while I remain Chief. This is only an excuse. Without a doubt, this excuse undermined our forward progress on such important things as community policing, crime prevention, officer recruitment, and retention. After much prayer and consideration, I have decided it is in the best interest of the city and my family to take away that excuse so healing can begin immediately.”
Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling confirmed that Pinion will remain with the city in another role while an interim chief is selected.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
