DECATOR, Ala. – In a letter dated July 31, Mayor Kent Lawrence formally notified Officer Joshua Loney that his employment with the Decatur Police Department would end. The mayor’s correspondence, obtained by the Decatur Daily, outlines two separate incidents that led to the termination.

December domestic‑disturbance incident

According to the mayor’s letter, the first incident occurred in December during a domestic‑disturbance call. Witnesses reported that Officer Loney kicked an unconscious man and, moments later, punched a handcuffed juvenile in the face. The mayor noted that the officer’s actions were inconsistent with department policy and the expectations of community‑focused policing.

February traffic‑stop incident

The second incident took place in February. An internal investigation found that Officer Loney deployed a taser on a driver who was complying with commands to kneel with his hands raised. The driver was not resisting, and the use of the taser was deemed unnecessary and excessive.

Refusal to acknowledge wrongdoing

Mayor Lawrence emphasized that, in both cases, Officer Loney refused to acknowledge any misconduct. The mayor described this refusal as “just as troubling as the incidents themselves,” underscoring the importance of accountability and integrity within the police force.

Department response and next steps

The Decatur Police Department has not released a separate statement beyond the mayor’s letter. However, the department’s internal affairs unit confirmed that it conducted a thorough review of both incidents and recommended termination based on the findings.

Community leaders have expressed relief that the city acted decisively. “Our police must uphold the highest standards of conduct, especially when dealing with vulnerable members of our community,” said a local neighborhood association president. “We expect transparency and swift action when those standards are not met.”

Impact on public safety and trust

City officials indicated that the termination is part of a broader effort to reinforce professional conduct and restore public confidence in law enforcement. The mayor’s letter reaffirms the administration’s commitment to protecting citizens while ensuring that officers are held accountable for any misuse of force.

Residents are encouraged to contact the mayor’s office or the police department with any further concerns about police conduct. The city will continue to monitor the department’s policies and training programs to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Original reporting: WAFF 48 Huntsville (news) — read the source article.