Hansville City Council Moves to Rebuild Police Department
After months of turmoil stemming from the indictment of several officers, the Hansville City Council has made a significant decision. They voted to hire consultants to assist in rebuilding the police department, as reported by ABC 33/40. This decision emerged during a council meeting on Thursday.
As part of the plan, Councillor John Stam proposed hiring a consultant for a six-month period, with a remuneration of $42,000. The consultant will work on revising departmental policies and updating employee handbooks, as well as coordinating with the District Attorney and Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, the consultant is expected to evaluate the condition and future use of the police division’s vehicle fleet.
During the meeting, retired Hansville Police Chief Bob Long, who is also running for mayor, suggested keeping the current police station vehicle. He mentioned that some of these vehicles might have been acquired with federal funds and be maintained by the Department of Public Works for future purposes.
The consultants could be chosen from a pool previously interviewed by the city’s Police Chief Employment Committee.
Mayor Jim Sawyer expressed his backing for this move, stating that it is a crucial step towards reestablishing the department and facilitating coordination with other agencies.
However, Councillor Ken Cornelius voiced some concerns, referencing discussions with insurance representatives. He cautioned against re-engaging in police operations too soon, indicating Hansville wouldn’t reconsider the restoration of the police station until July 2026, with uncertain approval prospects. His lack of familiarity with potential consultants also factored into his hesitation regarding the proposal.
In reply, Councillor Stam recognized the insurance issues but stressed the importance of addressing existing matters. Councillor Kim Brown pointed out that the insurance provider had already talked to both prospective consultants.
Despite differing viewpoints, the motion passed, allowing the consultant to begin work potentially as soon as July 1st.
Alongside approving the consulting agreement, the council also agreed to settle outstanding bills owed to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
