Police chief requests consultant to revamp internal affairs; council approves agreement

The Decatur City Council on July 8 approved a consultant agreement to assist the police department’s internal affairs unit following a review that, according to the chief, recommended structural and oversight changes (Resolution 25‑1‑84).

The police chief told the council the contract brings in an outside consultant, identified in the discussion as "Mr. Anger," to provide command and oversight and to help restructure how internal affairs presents and investigates cases. "This was for Mister Anger. It's gonna be a big help for us," the chief said, adding the department had lost a member of its internal affairs team and that the consultant will support efforts to be "more efficient and more effective on our investigation."

Council approved the consultant agreement by a unanimous vote. During later public remarks a councilmember referenced a cost of approximately $110,000 for an internal affairs position or related support as a figure appearing in the agenda materials; meeting materials linked to the resolution contain procurement details that include project costs but some members said those details required additional clicks to access on the city's website.

Why it matters: the consultant engagement follows an internal review referenced in the meeting and is intended to strengthen investigative processes and oversight within the police department. Council approved the agreement (Resolution 25‑1‑84) and gave staff authority to proceed with the consultant contract.

Next steps: the consultant will begin work under the approved agreement; staff said additional information would be provided to the council in the meeting or in follow‑up as the engagement advances.