Residents tell council of alleged police misconduct; mayor offers to connect them with department
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Summary
A resident accused two Tuscaloosa officers of repeated misconduct and called for accountability and transparency. The mayor acknowledged the complaint, offered to connect the resident with police, and emphasized the city's committee process for vetting council actions.
Derek Collins used the public-comment period to describe multiple incidents he said involved two officers he named in his remarks and to call for investigations and accountability.
Collins said the officers had engaged in behavior he described as abusive and that internal accountability processes had not restored public trust.
—They are out just to terrorize the, I'm a go ahead and say it, the black community,' Collins said, describing past encounters and urging the council to take the concerns seriously.
Mayor responded that he understood the frustration and asked Collins to remain after the meeting so staff could connect him with the Tuscaloosa Police Department for further discussion. The mayor also emphasized that council agenda items are vetted in committee prior to appearing on the council docket.
No formal disciplinary actions, investigations or directives were announced during the meeting; the mayor's office said it would facilitate follow-up between the resident and police department staff.