City Council appoints Captain Tory Mack as new police chief amid controversy

Decatur City Council made headlines during its recent work session by officially selecting Captain Tory Mack as the new police chief, a decision that has sparked both support and controversy. Council members acknowledged the potential pushback from within the police department and the community but expressed confidence in Mack's qualifications, despite being the only candidate interviewed.

Council discussions revealed concerns about the integrity of the hiring process. A council member recounted a troubling conversation with Chief Marcel Walker from the Fulton Veil Police Department, who reported that an administrative officer from Decatur's police department misrepresented their role in the hiring process. This officer claimed to be part of the HR team, which was not the case, and sought both positive and negative feedback about Captain Mack.

Walker described Mack as a capable leader, emphasizing that he is easy to work with as long as expectations are met. However, the council member expressed frustration over the handling of the situation, particularly regarding the response from HR, which suggested that the council should not intervene in day-to-day operations. This led to concerns about accountability and fairness in disciplinary actions, especially in light of a previous incident involving a lieutenant in the fire department who faced severe consequences for lesser accusations.

The council member firmly stated that they do not view the misrepresentation as a "coachable moment," highlighting a perceived inconsistency in how disciplinary matters are addressed within the city’s departments. As the council moves forward, the implications of this decision and the handling of internal issues will likely continue to be a focal point for both council members and the community.