Decatur city leaders provide update on death investigation of Steve Perkins

DECATUR, Ala. (WAFF) - Decatur city leaders gave an update on the investigation into the deadly shooting involving Steve Perkins during Monday’s city council meeting.

The city attorney is currently reviewing the Decatur Police Department’s investigation. From there, the attorney will then give Mayor Tab Bowling an official write-up to review. The official write-up is expected to be handed over on Wednesday.

Mayor Bowling expects to have a disciplinary hearing tentatively scheduled on Dec. 4. Results of the hearing will be made available the week of Dec. 4, according to the city’s attorney.

Decatur Police Chief Todd Pinion is also recommending the officers be punished for violating policies and procedures during the shooting death of Steve Perkins in September.

Officers were called to Perkins’ home following a confrontation with a tow truck driver. Chief Pinion says when his officers arrived, they never ordered Perkins to drop his gun.

As the investigation continues, advocates for the Perkins family are growing tired. Many are urging Mayor Bowling and the Chief Pinion to resign.

City Council President Jacob Ladner said he thinks an outside perspective is necessary right now.

“When you have an issue that happens like this in your organization, in your city in this case, you’ve gotta bring in a third party that’s outside of the day-to-day operations,” Ladner said. “To [look] at policies, procedures, leadership, the culture of your organization or your department, in this case.”

Mayor Bowling provided the following statement regarding the city’s investigation into the officers who shot and killed Perkins:

I want to provide an update with the latest information on the City’s investigation into the death of Steve Perkins. I apologize if I sound muffled, as well – I tested positive for Covid last week. Following the latest guidelines, I have finished my quarantine but still need to wear a mask.
As you likely know, the Decatur Police Department has concluded its investigation, and Chief Pinion determined that police department policies were violated.
Counsel for the City advises me that he is in receipt of Chief Pinion's determinations. He anticipates recommending discipline as a result those determinations and providing me with a formal statement of charges and specifications on Wednesday, November 22. Hearings on any proposed discipline will be tentatively scheduled for December 4, subject to the availability of the parties and witnesses.
In any hearing, I will hear the facts of the case and decide if discipline is warranted and to what extent. Under Alabama law, any decision can be appealed to the Personnel Board if any officer is disciplined.
The Decatur Police Department has committed, and I have committed, to make the findings of these hearings public.
As a reminder, the City can only look into potential violations of City policy. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is conducting the criminal investigation.
I also want to make a personal comment. Thanksgiving is Thursday. Thanksgiving is a day of reflecting on our blessings and spending time with family and loved ones.
For the Perkins family, this will undoubtedly be a hard day. They will have an empty seat at their table. They will be missing their father, husband, brother, and friend.
I ask for all Decatur citizens to keep them in their prayers.
And beyond that, I ask for prayers for this process – for justice, for healing, and for peace for everyone involved. I ask you to join me in praying for Steve Perkins’ family and friends, for those who are hurting, for our law enforcement officers and first responders, and for our City.
Thank you.

On Friday, Decatur Police Chief Todd Pinion concluded the predetermination hearing into the death of Perkins. He determined policies were violated during the shooting death of Perkins and the findings were sent to the Legal Department and outside counsel to prepare the formal documents to move forward with the discipline process.

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