The Hanceville City Council voted Monday to suspend and rebuild its police department.
The decision came after the council heard from the public following the arrest of several officers in connection to an extensive grand jury investigation.
Police Chief Jason Marlin, officers Cody Kelso, Eric Kelso, Jason Wilbanks, William Shellnutt and an officer's wife, Donna Kelso, were indicted on multiple charges. The grand jury determined the department had been operating as a criminal enterprise.
The grand jury also found a breach in the evidence room that led to the overdose death of a dispatcher.
The Cullman County Sheriff's Office has temporarily taken over the department's operations and moved inmates to the county jail.
A new chief, new officers and dispatchers will be hired, and the sheriff's office will continue overseeing operations during the transition. Sheriff Matt Gentry vowed to offer resources, including policies and procedures to the new chief to help build the police department.
"I think the start of it is hiring the right chief," said Gentry. "As soon as that happens, we'll go to work with that chief saying all the things they made need and we'll support that role until y'all can make additional hires and all that."
A committee of five people, including members of the public and law enforcement partners, will begin the search for the new chief and officers. Any officers currently employed by the department will have to interview to keep their positions.
The council voted unanimously for the measure.
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