The entire Hanceville Police Department in Alabama has been placed on administrative leave following a shocking grand jury report that accuses the department of running a “criminal enterprise.” The jury’s findings led to a recommendation that the department be completely disbanded due to rampant corruption, mishandling of evidence, and misuse of state databases.
Among those indicted are five high-ranking officers, including the police chief, who are accused of tampering with evidence, removing drugs from the evidence room, and distributing controlled substances.
The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office has taken over law enforcement duties for the city in the interim, as Mayor Jim Sawyer announced the suspensions.
“The integrity of law enforcement must be preserved at all costs,” said Mayor Sawyer. “This level of misconduct has no place in our city.”
The grand jury’s report describes the department’s actions as a severe breach of public trust, citing years of unchecked corruption. This case highlights the growing concerns over police misconduct across the country and raises questions about the oversight of local law enforcement agencies.
This developing story will be updated as more details emerge.
