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5 Major Shifts Rocking The Decatur AL Police Dept: What New Chief Torry Mack’s Vision Means For The City

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The Decatur Police Department (DPD) is currently undergoing one of the most significant periods of transformation in its history. As of today, December 19, 2025, the department is focused on implementing sweeping changes and restoring public trust following a high-profile controversy and the appointment of a new, veteran chief. This article breaks down the most critical and current developments shaping law enforcement in Decatur, Alabama, right now.

The catalyst for many of these shifts was a tragic, controversial officer-involved shooting that led to a third-party review and the subsequent search for new leadership. From new technology investments to a focus on community-oriented policing, the DPD under its new leadership is charting a course aimed at transparency, accountability, and modern policing standards.

The New Era of Leadership: Chief Torry Mack’s Profile and Vision

The most immediate and impactful change for the Decatur Police Department is the installment of its new leader, Chief Torry Mack. Sworn in on June 2, 2025, Mack brings a wealth of experience to the department, arriving at a time when the community is demanding reform and a renewed commitment to ethical policing. His appointment was a signal from the Decatur City Council that a significant shift in departmental culture was necessary.

Biography and Background of Chief Torry Mack

  • Full Name: Torry Mack
  • Current Position: Chief of Police, Decatur Police Department (DPD)
  • Sworn In: June 2, 2025
  • Previous Experience: Over 30 years in law enforcement. Served as a veteran officer and Captain of the Special Enforcement Division in the Birmingham Police Department (BPD).
  • Military Background: Touts a strong military background in addition to his extensive law enforcement career.
  • Education: Not explicitly detailed in recent news, but his extensive career suggests advanced training and education in law enforcement leadership.
  • Stated Vision: Focused on bringing positive change to the community and the department, emphasizing transparency and community engagement.

Chief Mack accepted the position on May 8, 2025, following the resignation of the previous chief. His vision for the DPD centers on rebuilding trust through proactive community engagement and rigorous adherence to policy. He is working alongside the new Deputy Chief, Stisher, to implement these changes, indicating a top-to-bottom restructuring of the department’s administrative focus.

The Ongoing Shadow of the Stephen Perkins Case

The primary driver for the departmental overhaul is the tragic 2023 killing of Stephen Perkins by a former Decatur Police officer. This event sparked widespread protests, intense public scrutiny, and formal legal action that continues to this day. The legal fallout from this incident remains a central focus of the department's public narrative and reform efforts.

  • The Incident: Stephen Perkins was killed during an officer-involved shooting in 2023, which immediately raised questions about the use of force and departmental procedures.
  • The Indictment: In January 2024, a grand jury indicted the former DPD officer, Mac Bailey Marquette, for murder in connection with Perkins’ death.
  • Legal Appeals: The case is currently at the highest level, with the former officer appealing his indictment to the Alabama Supreme Court. Oral arguments have been granted in his third attempt to have the murder charge dismissed.

This ongoing legal battle and the resulting public demand for accountability have put immense pressure on the DPD to demonstrate a commitment to change. The lawyer for the Perkins family has even called for a federal investigation of the Alabama police force, alleging a "pattern of civil and criminal abuses" requiring immediate intervention. This backdrop of intense scrutiny is what Chief Mack and the new administration are tasked with navigating.

Key Findings from the Independent Third-Party Review

In response to the controversies, the City of Decatur commissioned a comprehensive Third-Party Independent Review of the Decatur Police Department. This extensive review was conducted by the consulting firm Green Research and Technology (GRT). The findings, released to the public with some necessary redactions, are the blueprint for the DPD’s current reform efforts.

The Green Research and Technology (GRT) Report

  • The Reviewer: Green Research and Technology (GRT).
  • Scope: The review involved an extensive 1,150-hour examination of the DPD's policies, procedures, and practices.
  • Purpose: The goal of the report was to identify systemic issues and provide clear recommendations to accomplish positive change within the department.

While the full, unredacted details are not entirely public, the existence and acceptance of the review by the Decatur City Council signal a commitment to addressing underlying issues within the department's structure. The report's recommendations are now central to the critical updates and revisions being made to the department’s Written Directive Manual, ensuring that new policies are implemented and followed rigorously by all personnel.

Modernizing Policing: Technology and Policy Updates

Beyond leadership and structural reform, the Decatur Police Department is also embracing technology and updating its operational policies to enhance public safety and increase transparency. These updates reflect a modern approach to crime prevention and community interaction, driven by the need for greater accountability.

New Technology Investment: Flock Cameras

In a significant step towards modern surveillance and crime fighting, the Decatur City Council approved $50,000 for the DPD to install 10 new Flock surveillance cameras. These cameras, which are license plate recognition (LPR) technology, are designed to assist the department in identifying vehicles associated with crimes, including thefts, burglaries, and more serious offenses. This investment highlights a focus on leveraging technology to improve clearance rates and overall public safety across the city.

Community and Policy Focus

  • Written Directive Manual Revisions: The DPD is actively making critical updates and revisions to its Written Directive Manual, which governs all police policies and procedures. This is a direct result of the GRT review and is intended to codify the new standards of operation.
  • Public Complaint System: The department maintains an accessible system for citizens to file an online report or call the Office of Professional Standards to report a complaint, concern, or even a positive experience, fostering a more direct line of communication with the public.
  • Scam Warnings: The department has recently been proactive in warning the public about scammers falsely claiming to be associated with the ‘Shop with a Cop’ program, demonstrating a focus on protecting community members from financial crime and maintaining the integrity of its charitable initiatives.

The Future: A Focus on Accountability and Community Trust

The combined impact of the new leadership under Chief Torry Mack, the fallout from the Stephen Perkins case, the findings of the Green Research and Technology review, and the investment in technology like Flock cameras, all point to a department intent on a significant reset. The overall intention of the Decatur Police Department is to move past the controversies of the recent past and establish a new foundation built on trust, transparency, and professional standards.

The coming months will be critical as Chief Mack implements his vision, which prioritizes community policing and internal accountability. The ongoing legal case involving the former officer will continue to serve as a stark reminder of the stakes involved in this transformation. For the residents of Decatur, Alabama, the DPD's commitment to these major shifts offers a renewed hope for a more responsive and accountable law enforcement agency in the future.

5 Major Shifts Rocking the Decatur AL Police Dept: What New Chief Torry Mack’s Vision Means for the City
decatur al police dept
decatur al police dept

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