In a surprising move, the entire police force of Hanceville, Alabama, has been placed on administrative leave. This decision came shortly after a grand jury suggested disbanding the department, describing it as “more of a criminal enterprise than a law enforcement agency.”
Hanceville’s Mayor Jim Sawyer announced that for now, the Cullman County Sheriff’s Department will handle law enforcement in the city. He expressed regret over how the actions of a few officers have affected the community’s reputation.
The grand jury recently indicted the Hanceville police chief and four officers. They face serious allegations, including mishandling evidence and misuse of criminal databases. Among those charged are Cody Alan Kelso, Drew Shelnut, Jason Wilbanks, and reserve officer Eric Michael Kelso.
The grand jury cited a “rampant culture of corruption” within the department, calling for its immediate abolition. District Attorney Champ Crocker commented on the disturbing nature of the findings, noting that unrestricted access to the evidence room had compromised its integrity.
The investigation began after a tragic incident involving a dispatcher. Following his unexpected death at work, the State Bureau of Investigation was called in to scrutinize the department’s practices. An autopsy revealed he died from the toxic effects of fentanyl and other drugs.
“I was insistent on the State Bureau of Investigation coming in to investigate everything going on at Hanceville,” Crocker said, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
The local city council is scheduled to meet on February 27 to discuss the future of the police department. Hanceville is a small community with about 3,200 residents, located roughly 45 miles north of Birmingham. The police department had eight officers as of last August.
Community reactions to the officers’ arrests have been mixed. Longtime resident Mike Calvert expressed shock, while Amanda Hale reflected on the presence of both good and problematic officers within the department, indicating that the situation is indeed troubling.
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Alabama, Corruption, Police Officers
