SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
DECATUR, Ala. — A Decatur police officer is under fire after allegedly misrepresenting himself as a member of the city’s Human Resources team while seeking background information on the incoming police chief — a move Councilman Billy Jackson says should lead to immediate termination, not a mere reprimand.
At Monday’s City Council work session, Jackson revealed that Fultondale Police Chief Marcel Walker told him he received a call from a Decatur officer claiming to be part of the city’s HR hiring team. The officer was reportedly conducting what he called a “background check” on incoming Chief Torry Mack, who officially begins June 2.
“He was not honest when he said these things,” said Jackson, calling the officer’s actions “egregious” and “deceptive.”
According to Jackson, Walker and his wife — both of whom had worked with Mack — provided only positive feedback during the call, which appeared to frustrate the officer.
Jackson said when he raised concerns with HR Director Richelle Sandlin, he was told the matter would be handled as a “teachable moment,” with a note placed in the officer’s personnel file. He called the response inadequate.
“I don’t see this as a coachable moment,” Jackson said. “I see this as a fireable offense.”
Mayor Tab Bowling pushed back in a Tuesday morning press conference, defending the officer’s intentions and calling Jackson a “rogue council member.” Bowling claimed the officer never pretended to be with HR and described the call as a personal outreach, not an official background check.
“This officer said he didn’t do it, and I believe him,” Bowling said. “He is one of the most respected officers in our department.”
Bowling further claimed that officers routinely seek background information on leadership changes and said no city policies were violated.
Still, Councilman Kyle Pike acknowledged the controversy, saying other officers have also made inquiries about Mack and other candidates during the hiring process — a practice Pike said doesn’t cross any formal lines since council members have the final say on hiring.
Council President Jacob Ladner added he hadn’t heard of the incident before Jackson brought it up but said the community and rank-and-file officers appear energized about Mack’s upcoming leadership.
“There’s a lot of excitement about Chief Mack,” Ladner said. “If you don’t want to get on board, maybe this isn’t the right bus to be on.”
