Small Alabama City’s Police Force Put on Leave After Grand Jury Finds ‘Rampant’ Corruption

An individual sticks his head and upper body in the hole, attempting to open the door to the evidence room, at the Hanceville Police Department in Hanceville, Ala.Cullman County Sheriff's Office via AP

HANCEVILLE, Ala.—A small Alabama city placed its entire police force on administrative leave a day after a grand jury recommended the department be disbanded, saying it has “operated as more of a criminal enterprise than a law enforcement agency.”

Hanceville Mayor Jim Sawyer said Thursday in a statement that the Cullman County Sheriff’s Department will temporarily take over law enforcement duties as city officials mull the next steps.