DECATUR – Following a disciplinary hearing regarding four police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Decatur resident Stephen Perkins, three of those involved at the scene as well as the aftermath have been fired and one suspended.
Perkins was shot and killed in his front yard by Decatur police following an alleged dispute with a tow truck driver attempting to repossess a vehicle after midnight at Perkins’ home.
Mayor Tab Bowling began a hearing Monday for the suspended officers and released the conclusion with a Thursday press conference. The firings and suspension come after tense protests in the River City that were touched off by the Sept. 29 shooting.
“I recognize that many people have been frustrated by the pace of the investigation into Steve Perkins’ death and we certainly share that concern,” Bowling said.
“Our goal all along has been justice for Mr. Perkins, his family and friends and for the officers involved who are entitled to a fair hearing and due process under the law.”
Police Chief Todd Pinion released a statement in which he expressed sympathy for the Perkins family and hoped the community would heal.
“While it is my hope that you do not judge any organization by one incident, no matter how painful, I promise that we will be doing everything humanly possible to earn the benefit of your trust moving forward,” Pinion said.
Perkins had a confrontation with the tow truck driver around 1:30 a.m. The driver left, but returned with police. Perkins reportedly went back outside to investigate when he heard noises, where he was fatally shot.
Police released conflicting stories about the incident with some details later retracted. Perkins’ family, and lawyer, later claimed the officers were lying in wait and staged an ambush.
Police body cam footage has not been released because the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has an ongoing investigation. ALEA is responsible for criminal investigations.
“We continue to ask them to move forward in an expeditious manner,” said Bowling, who said his office would focus now on reviewing police department policy.
Transcript of Pinion’s statement:
The Mayor has announced his decision that three officers have been terminated and one has been suspended following the determination hearing into officers’ actions leading up to the death of Steven Perkins and in the moments after.
As I previously shared, I found in the predetermination hearing that the officers violated policy, however, under Alabama law, only the Mayor can make the decision to issue discipline of this magnitude. Any of the officers disciplined have the right to appeal the Mayor’s decision to the Personnel Board.
I accompanied the Mayor when he visited Mr. Perkins’ family to share the news of his determination. I have expressed my sorrow personally to the family of Mr. Perkins as well as publicly in prior messages, but I reiterate that sentiment here.
While the Mayor’s decision brings resolution to one portion of the investigation into what occurred, an active criminal investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency continues. That investigation is independent of the now-concluded Decatur Police Department Administrative investigation. As I have said from the earliest days, we will accept whatever decision results from that process.
This incident has left grief for many, beginning with the family and friends of Mr. Perkins and extending to our community and beyond, as well as within our police department. I have pledged to take action to ensure something like this never happens in Decatur again, and that process has begun in earnest. It includes reviewing policies and procedures to implement change where needed, additional training, revitalizing our Citizen Advisory Board, and creating a critical incident page on our website to provide an additional avenue to keep the community informed when a critical incident takes place. We will also be implementing measures to provide for increased officer health and mental wellness, to include budgeting for yearly mental health checkups.
While there have been those who have come from outside of Decatur to exercise their 1st Amendment rights, my concern is foremost with those who call Decatur home. With a wide spectrum of feelings among members of our community, I want to reassure you that the Decatur Police Department serves each and every one of you. While it is my hope that you do not judge any organization by one incident, no matter how painful, I promise that we will be doing everything humanly possible to earn the benefit of your trust moving forward.
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