Decatur work session erupts over redacted third‑party review of police; public, council press for hearings and accountability

Dozens of residents pressed Decatur City officials during a council work session to hold hearings and take personnel action after the city released a redacted third‑party review of the Decatur Police Department.

The council heard sustained public comment about the report prepared by Green Research. Chief Todd Pinion urged calm, defended his officers and said the review did not substantiate claims of widespread corruption or systemic racism. “This report gave no indication that any of those things were a significant or legitimate concern,” Pinion said, and added the department would implement recommendations from the Office of Professional Standards and report progress to the council.

Residents who spoke at the podium described the redacted sections as the most troubling element. Dr. Christy Love, an educator who signed up for public comment, said the redactions concealed “deliberate actions, intentional choices made to…