Alabama Police Violated Policies in Fatal Shooting of Steve Perkins

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Title: Alabama Police Chief Acknowledges Policy Violations in Fatal Shooting of Black Homeowner

Introduction:
In a recent development, the police chief of Decatur, Alabama, Todd Pinion, has admitted that department policies were violated during the fatal shooting of Steve Perkins, a Black homeowner. The incident, which occurred on September 29, has sparked widespread protests in the city. Pinion’s statement comes after an internal investigation conducted by the Decatur Police Department. While the chief did not elaborate on the specific policies that were violated, he mentioned that the findings have been forwarded to the Legal Department and outside counsel to initiate the disciplinary process.

Details of the Shooting:
The fatal shooting took place when officers accompanied a tow truck driver attempting to repossess Perkins’ truck. The initial police statement claimed that officers were called to the scene by the tow truck driver, who alleged that Perkins brandished a gun. According to the police, Perkins later threatened the driver and turned the gun toward one of the officers, prompting the use of lethal force. However, Perkins’ family has disputed this version of events, maintaining that he was not aware of the officers’ presence before the shooting.

Internal Investigation and Discipline Process:
Chief Pinion’s statement revealed that the department’s internal investigation concluded that policies were indeed violated during the incident. The final report and findings have been sent to the Legal Department and outside counsel to prepare formal documents for the disciplinary process. The city’s mayor will review the case and determine the extent of disciplinary action. The officer responsible for firing the shots remains on administrative leave, and the department has not released the officer’s name or race.

Surveillance Video and Family’s Response:
Video footage captured by a neighbor’s home surveillance camera, published by WAFF, showed the moments leading up to the shooting. The video depicts the tow truck backing into the driveway, followed by an officer shouting, “Police, get on the ground,” before shots were fired rapidly. Notably, the police have not released body-camera footage of the incident. An attorney representing the Perkins family stated that Steve Perkins did not appear to be aware of the officers’ presence before they opened fire. The family also emphasized that the truck payments were up to date, questioning the justification for the repossession.

Reaction from Perkins’ Family:
Nick Perkins, Steve Perkins’ brother, expressed a “slight sense of relief” upon hearing Chief Pinion acknowledge the policy violations. However, he criticized the length of the investigation, stating that the family had already seen the video footage and believed the case should have been resolved sooner.

Investigation and Healing Process:
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is currently conducting its own investigation into the shooting. Chief Pinion acknowledged the pain the incident has caused the community of Decatur and emphasized the importance of releasing all relevant information, completing determinations on policy violations and state law, and resolving potential litigation to facilitate the healing process.

Conclusion:
The acknowledgment by Decatur Police Chief Todd Pinion of policy violations in the fatal shooting of Steve Perkins has shed light on the incident and brought some relief to the Perkins family. As investigations continue and the disciplinary process unfolds, the community of Decatur hopes for transparency and justice in order to heal from this tragic event..