Community Message from the Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council

Published on July 27, 2020

The Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council (HPCAC) in accordance with City Council Resolution 20-512, which directs the HPCAC to produce a report concerning the events from May 30, 2020 to June 5, 2020, would like to update the community on actions taken thus far.

Since the resolution was passed, the HPCAC has met to begin its review of the relevant Huntsville Police Department policies as well as other documentation of the events at issue.

Additionally, the HPCAC has retained Elizabeth H. Huntley and Jackson Sharman, with the Law Firm of Lightfoot, Franklin and White in Birmingham, as outside counsel to assist where legal issues may arise, but more importantly to ensure the HPCAC remains independent during this process.

On July 9, the HPCAC launched a community input portal, found here, where members of the community can share their thoughts and concerns directly to the HPCAC. More than 640 forms have been received to date. In addition to the Community Input forms, the HPCAC has received an additional 200 e-mails. The community input portal will remain open until August 7. In addition to written communications the HPCAC has been contacted about receiving cell phone and other video footage from citizens. We are working on how best to safely and securely receive citizen video footage.

The HPCAC also plans to hold public listening sessions after the closing date for the input portal where members of the community can safely share, in person, their concerns and it is our hope that they will also share their ideas on how best the Police Department can respond to similar events in the future. The HPCAC will plan the public meeting consistent with Centers for Disease Control guidelines. The meeting information will be made available as soon as possible.

Media Contact: David Little, Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council hpcac@huntsvilleal.gov.