Town of Hayneville dissolves police department and municipal court

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

The Hayneville police chief is speaking out tonight — amid concerns raised by one his officers — and a temporary shut down of the police department — and the municipal court.

Chief Kelvin Mitchell denied allegations that he made threats against the sheriff — at a press conference Thursday morning.

Mitchell also denied trying to pressure the municipal judge to hand down a guilty verdict against the sheriff — in a case involving the Lowndes County Commission. And he defended his attempt to suspend an officer for securing the municipal court — against his orders.

“The mayor can’t supersede my direct order. There’s a process. It’s called due process. And you got 10 days to file a grievance if you want to challenge my order. That’s why things got out of whack,” said Mitchell.

The town council voted to temporarily dissolve the police department through October.

All the officers have been placed on paid administrative leave.