Months after the Hanceville Police Department was impacted by the indictment of several officers, the City Council has now voted to hire a consultant to assist with rebuilding the agency. The decision was made during a council meeting held on Thursday, according to a report from ABC 33/40.
Under the approved plan, Councilman John Stam proposed hiring a consultant for a six-month term with a salary of $42,000. The consultant’s responsibilities will include revising departmental policies and procedures, updating the employee handbook, and coordinating with the district attorney and sheriff’s office. The consultant is also expected to assess the condition and future use of the department’s vehicle fleet.
RELATED: Hanceville Police Department shut down amid corruption scandal; Sheriff’s Office steps in
During the meeting, retired Hanceville Police Chief Bob Long, who is also a candidate in the upcoming mayoral election, advised retaining the police department’s existing vehicles. He noted that some were purchased with federal funds and could be maintained by the public works department for future use.
The consultant may be chosen from a pool of candidates previously interviewed by the city’s police chief hiring committee.
Mayor Jim Sawyer voiced support for the hiring, framing it as a necessary step toward reestablishing the department and managing interagency coordination.
RELATED: Five Hanceville police officers arrested in connection to dispatcher’s overdose death
Councilman Ken Cornelius raised concerns based on his recent conversations with insurance representatives. He said those representatives advised the city to avoid reengaging in police operations for the time being and stated that Hanceville would not be reconsidered for reinstating a police department until July 2026, with no assurance of approval at that time. He also explained that his unfamiliarity with the consultant candidates contributed to his opposition to the measure.
In response, Councilman Stam acknowledged the insurance concerns but stressed the need to begin work on outstanding issues. Councilwoman Kim Brown added that the insurance provider had already spoken with both consultant candidates.
Despite differing viewpoints, the measure passed, and the consultant could begin work as early as July 1.
In addition to approving the consultant contract, the council also voted to pay outstanding bills owed to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
