Residents press Decatur council for police accountability; council and staff outline advisory-board plans

Residents at the Feb. 17 Decatur City Council meeting urged the council to act on a recent review of the Decatur Police Department and to increase transparency about complaints and discipline.

During the public-comment period, several speakers asked for specifics on follow-up to an outside report and for better public reporting of police data. One commenter cited a tally of complaints: “As of last week, there were 13 complaints received by the Office of Professional Services…on track right now for 105 complaints by the end of the year,” a speaker said during public comment. The speaker asked the council to track how many officers have multiple complaints and what disciplinary outcomes—oral or written reprimand, administrative duties, pay or rank reductions, or terminations—have resulted.

Mike Stoball, who addressed the council during public comment, asked what the city planned to do with the report’s findings and sought concrete steps. Council and staff described several immediate and planned actions. A council member said the city reduced the reporting timeframe for certain internal reviews from 365 days to 60 days and intends to establish a Citizens Advisory Board by ordinance rather than by internal department policy. The staff description said the board would be appointed by council and could require regular reporting from the department; applications and district-based appointments were discussed as likely selection methods.

“There is going to be ongoing discussion…we will address the issue and make sure that things are being addressed as far as the review,” one council member said, acknowledging the need for measurable criteria and public trust.

Speakers also questioned the city’s online crime-mapping tool, which a commenter said was “now 6 months behind,” and asked what metrics the chief was using to measure improved community policing. Another public commenter asked about security in the council chamber and said metal detectors previously had been used at the chamber entrance. Staff noted that a metal detector at the front door had been used in the past and said it could be reintroduced as an option.

Staff told the council they plan to bring an ordinance for the Citizens Advisory Board to the council for review, with an expected discussion in March. Staff described the board as having formalized reporting requirements and a different composition than the current ad hoc community board. The council and staff also discussed outreach meetings and other engagement steps intended to respond to community concerns raised during public comment.

No formal council action on police discipline or a permanent security change was recorded in the meeting; speakers emphasized a desire for timely, measurable follow-up tied to the findings in the police review.

Ending: Council members said they expect to return to the topic with more specific language for an oversight ordinance and reporting requirements in the coming weeks.