Operation Watchdog: A Thankless Job in Decatur Police
CORA BLAIR profiles Decatur's 41 member police force during National Police Week. Chief Pack Self stresses public cooperation as essential while noting cramped space, plans for Civic Center enhancements, and efforts to boost personnel. The force draws from Morgan Lawrence and Limestone counties. Capt. T. L. Hill serves as assistant chief.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Chief Self
Morgan, Lawrence and
Limestone
T. L. Hill
Police Department Tracks Local Detectives and Training
Lt. Ernest Bowman heads a two man detective unit with Det. David Smith as plainclothes investigator. The force runs a 48 hour six day week across three shifts with Lt. Gene Slater Frank Shafer and C J Martin in command of shifts. Traffic includes eight cars six motorcycles and two three wheel bikes with new emergency lights. Ben Terry leads a three man traffic maintenance group for signs and markings. Officers attend Alabama Police Academy for six weeks with three members studying now and due to graduate May 27. Thirteen officers have graduated from the Academy. Uniforms are provided by the department. officers supply a .38 caliber revolver and receive a 100 dollar annual allowance. Summer and winter uniforms are issued and recently swapped to summer attire. Chief Self notes officers welcome compliments from the public, a change from prior perception.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ernest Bowman
Det
David Smith
Gene Slater
Frank Shafer
C. J. Martin
Ben Terry
Alabama Police Academy
Montgomery
Dan Price
Bobby Quinn
Billy Wooten
Chief Self
Also Mentioned on This Page
Cora Blair
DAILY
Cay
Decatur
John F. Kennedy
Congress
Pack Self
Well Street
Self
a_records
Ice Chief
Lovie Gilchrist
John Marks Mans
Ted Agee
Sgt
C. B. Tutwiler
Jim Garner
George Evans
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