Latest news with #TorryMack
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Yahoo
Decatur police chief implements leadership classes for officers
DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) — On Monday, Decatur Police Chief Torry Mack began the first in a series of police officer trainings to do what he describes as improving the quality of the department. When Mack was sworn in on June 2, he vowed to restructure the police department, and he said that starts with additional training. Mack brought in national communications specialist Darryl Rivers for the 4-day sessions. Hands Across Decatur extends hours due to heat Rivers had spent his entire adult life as part of the government, including 17 years as a police officer, sergeant and lieutenant. For nearly two years, the Decatur Police Department has been under heavy scrutiny since the police shooting death of Stephen Perkins in September 2023. The department drew more criticism in April with the death of John Scott Jr., who was arrested by police while experiencing an apparent mental health crisis. 'Leadership is not defined with what's on your collar. You could be a born leader, or you can be a leader,' Mack explained. 'Mr. Rivers is going to make a lot of leaders today with his message.' Rivers drilled the police officers on the meaning of earning respect with your ears and then losing that respect with your mouth. 'From time to time, the biggest part of communication is actually listening, and we as human beings don't do that all that well, so we elect to speak before we listen,' Rivers explained. A city-commissioned independent review released in January found Decatur police officers needed more training both on the law and how they interact with the public. Mack said he wants all of his police officers in the department to be trained as leaders in changing the perception of the department. 'This class today is for the sergeants and below or the officers that are aspiring to be sergeants,' said Mack. 'Just to give them a feel of what it takes to be a competent and a professional leader.' Mack added that he is focused on several issues detailed in the review. Rivers told News 19 that his goal for the officers is to believe that they are leaders both in and outside of the department in order to change its public perception. 'Sometimes people feel that the law enforcement community really isn't in tune with the plight of society, so I feel as though one of the main things that law enforcement could do is literally sit back and listen sometimes in order to understand how to best solve problems, issues and situations,' Rivers said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
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. After years of darkness the Hudson Memorial Bridge has new lights 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. Wife, insurance agent testify as state begins presenting case in Decatur chiropractor's attempted murder trial '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.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
