11-06-2025
New Decatur Police Chief wants to bridge gap between department and community
DECATUR, Ala (WHNT) — Just eight days after being sworn in as Decatur's new police chief, Torry Mack is speaking about taking on this new role.
News 19 is the first station in North Alabama to speak with Mack since his swearing-in. News 19's Tamika Alexander had the chance to catch up with the chief about what's ahead for his officers and the community they serve.
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Mack is a Birmingham native, a military veteran, and recently retired from the Birmingham Police Department.
But that didn't last long. Shortly after his retirement, the father of four accepted the position of police chief in Decatur. A position he admits comes with challenges.
'I want to bridge the gap between the police department and the citizens of Decatur,' Mack said. 'I have met with many citizens I have met with some officers my command staff and they are willing to one day we are going to sit down and all of us some citizens and the command staff to have fruitful dialogue not to talk about the past but where we are today and how we can move forward it.'
Part of Decatur's past includes the shooting death of Steven Perkins. He was killed in the front yard of his home by former Decatur police officer Mac Marquette in September of 2023 during a botched repossession attempt.
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'There are no true winners,' He said. 'You have a woman that will never have her husband. Children won't have their father, brothers and sisters won't have their brother. On the other side, I am pro law enforcement, you have to think about the former officer as well.'
Since the death of Perkins, citizens have taken to the streets in protest. And with Marquette's trial looming. Mack said he has requested that some of his staff get additional training.
'We have to get boots on the ground,' said Chief Mack. 'We have to train for it because it could possibly happen.'
That additional training to handle crowds is one of several issues detailed in an independent review of the police department released earlier this year. Mack said he agrees with some of the recommendations
However, his plans to heal the divide in Decatur center around one thing.
'Keeping citizens informed, giving them a sense of ownership. It boils down to we are there to serve, it is their police department, I am their police chief.'
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