Huntsville Police Department: City Leaders Respond To Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council Protest Report

Press release from the Huntsville Police Department:

April 28, 2021

During a special work session of the Huntsville City Council on Wednesday, April 28, the City’s Administration publicly addressed the findings of a report on the Huntsville Police Department’s response to 2020 protests.

At the work session, Administrator John Hamilton presented the City’s response to the 248-page report, which includes assessments and recommendations for improvement within HPD.

“Tonight’s presentation before City Council was just the start of a long process to strengthen our commitment to providing the best public safety for our citizens,” he said.

Although the City appreciates the efforts of the independent counsel, Hamilton did, however, counter some claims made in the report regarding:

Although the report will not result in immediate policy changes within HPD, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said it will help shape the department moving forward.

“While we’re continually looking to improve operations within HPD, we’re proud of our police force and the critical work they do for our citizens,” Mayor Battle said. “We will use this report to make HPD even better and work with our community to ensure Huntsville is a just, equitable place for all.”

The City Council passed a resolution on June 25, 2020, charging the (HPCAC) with conducting an independent, review of the protests and HPD’s response. The 10-month process formally began in July and concluded with a presentation of the report to Council on April 22.

The City retained attorneys Elizabeth H. Huntley and Jackson Sharman of Birmingham law firm, Lightfoot, Franklin & White, LLC, to assist and provide counsel to the HPCAC in its duties. The independent counsel report to HPCAC is available as a PDF at huntsvillepolicereview.com.

To watch the April 28 work session, please visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/HSVTV or the City’s Facebook page.

This press release was produced by the Huntsville Police Department. The views expressed are the author's own.