A manager at Dave & Busters in Hoover in 2019 called police on a man named James Bo Savelle III. The town also expanded its towing operations, going from 50 vehicles in 2018 to 789 in 2020. Hed been stopped for rolling the stop sign, which he disputes, and speeding, which he also disputes. Chief Jones testified under oath that just one of the 10 Brookside vehicles is painted with police striping, but nine others bear no emblems, and seven are tinted all the way around, making it impossible to see inside. By 2020 Brookside made more misdemeanor arrests than it has residents. However, an initial review of the complaint reveals that any allegations of conspiracy are false and without merit and the Town vehemently denies such allegations.. Brookside now faces at least five lawsuits. It showed police in 2020 patrolled 114,438 miles in the 6.3-mile town and issued more than 3,000 citations a 692% increase from 2018. Eventually she was given an inhaler and treated by paramedics. Stephanie Franklin, a Jefferson County employee, told AL.com she was a passenger in a car stopped last year for an expired tag. Dedicated to documenting the apparent corruption of the Town and Police of Brookside, Alabama. Yet that is hard to swallow for those who line up for court and face financial ruin because of citations. At Brookside municipal court, the courtroom and the parking lot are packed with people. Nationally, the average size of a force is one officer for every 588 residents, according to a Governing Magazine study that relied on federal statistics. "What if $150 is the cost of choosing between feeding my child, getting their medicine or paying this ticket?" In an email to her May 29, 2019, Mike Jones defended the stop, and the ability to ticket outside of Brookside. By 2020 officers in the sleepy town were undergoing SWAT training and dressing in riot gear, even as the city continued with only a volunteer fire department. At least three bills are now before the Legislature that would affect those cities. She thought the complaint was long forgotten or closed. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The town of Brookside, Alabama holds municipal court once a month. A department of nine officers in a 1,253-person town is far larger than average. Police stacked fines on them, often towed their cars and generated revenue that went right back into the police department. Lawyers for eight people who say they were wronged by Brookside police on Wednesday filed an amended complaint in Alabama, arguing the town, the towing company it used to seize vehicles, and. For most of the past decade it saw little crimeonly 55 . He was also ticketed for improper signal, though he cant even fathom how that might have occurred. But when she did, the unmarked SUV pulled into the street, crossed the center line and sped toward her car, blue lights flashing. He and members of the town council complained of. They've also been accused of using racist language in a community that is majority white, but also has a Black population of nearly 25 percent and a small but growing Latino population. For Michelle Jones, it has been a dedicated three-year fight. Leadership at every level of government is required to make our cities and towns safer. Lt. Gov. Another woman, Emily Sierra, emailed AL.com to say she was pulled over in Brookside three years ago for a single flash of her lights to warn oncoming traffic about a speed trap. It resulted in Brookside Police Chief Mike Jones resigning Tuesday on the same day Alabama Lt. Gov. after AL.coms original report on Brookside. The police have ordered vehicles towed for lack of insurance, while ignoring owners' efforts to show insurance documentation. Perez is Hispanic, and his passenger was a Brookside resident, also Hispanic, who didnt have her purse with her, Perez said. He has not commented since. State Representative Juandalynn Givan isnt surprised by the report. Sarathy Jones said the issues in Brookside should be a warning for towns and small cities to examine their revenue sources and ensure their local governments aren't turning to law enforcement as moneymaking arms. I saw him and we looked eye to eye, the Chelsea business owner said. It showed police in 2020 patrolled 114,438 miles in the 6.3-mile town and issued more than 3,000 citations - a 692% increase. Ainsworth called for a financial audit by the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts and vowed the state would investigate Brookside and towns like it. People who had their vehicles towed and impounded by Jetts Towing after a traffic stop. Time after time they say they were pulled over by multiple officers in multiple vehicles for minor charges such as expired tag or following too closely, that they were searched, towed, and forced to pay large fines for violations many say they did not commit. She fought it instead. Brookside officers have been accused in lawsuits of fabricating charges, using racist language and making up laws to stack counts on passersby. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. But Savelle would not be fired. As more tickets brought in more money, the town began to spend much more. Months of research and dozens of interviews by AL.com found that Brooksides finances are rocket-fueled by tickets and aggressive policing. Suggest Listing The Town of Brookside participates in the affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, it says. Mike Jones actually knew Bo when Bo was a kid in Explorers, McDonald said. He seems to want to push the blame off on everybody else when he and (former mayor) Roger McCondichie both appointed Mike Jones knowing about his past. Officer Deshawn Mark Cook, who worked in Brookside as recently as Thursday, was arrested Friday on charges of first degree rape stemming from 2021. "Their whole financial existence starts to spiral, and it was all over a light on their car not working.". What I had watched in court with the use of this particular charge, I mean, just to be quite frank, it offended me that a court would act that way and that a city would act that way toward people who really dont have that kind of money, he testified. The caller identified himself as a Det. Roger McCondichie, the late mayor of Brookside, at the time called Jones company woes personal business and defended the hiring by saying Jones was certified and had all the credentials. The interim chief and Town leaders announced reforms within the police department in February 2022. It went from towing 50 vehicles in 2018 to 789 in 2020 each carrying fines. And a Brookside man told AL.com police in the town pulled him over with blue lights and told him there would be consequences if he posted more about the police on Facebook. Dozens of people who claim they were victimized by Brookside Police have come forward to tell their stories. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Officers, dressed completely in dark, unmarked uniforms approached her, and one accused her of flickering her lights to warn others of their presence, her suit alleges. BROOKSIDE, Ala. (WBRC) - WBRC confirmed Mike Jones resigned as Brookside Police Chief. 2711 Municipal Dr. Brookside, AL 35036. It's a story that is really egregious and heinous for a variety of reasons.". Hoover police arrested Savelle for public intoxication and two counts of harassment that night, saying he was intoxicated to the point of being a danger to himself and to others. The woman told police she did wish to press charges. The complaint alleges numerous constitutional violations, and we believe the citizens need to be protected from illegal actions by the Town of Brookside.. originally filed on behalf of Cory Thomas, AL.com in January reported how Brookside used fines and forfeitures, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. The interim chief and Town leaders announced reforms within the police department in February 2022. Asked why that was the case, Bryan responded there had been an error, that the heading for the Municipal Court Fund was actually the police department budget. The deputy gave him a professional courtesy verbal warning and sent him on his way. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. A Hoover officer wrote that Savelle had his Brookside badge and a gun in his pocket, though he initially lied about being armed when asked by officers.. Jones lawyer, Bryan, did not return calls today. They gave me a ticket for running a stop sign. The suit also names 23 current and former officers as individual defendants. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. An investigator with the AG responded to her, and she spelled it out again in 2020. I feel bad for those guys who struggle, Perez said. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Like those on Dec. 2. Erik Ortiz is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital focusing on racial injustice and social inequality. Jones testified his officers wear gray uniforms with no Brookside insignias. It frightened her, and led to more trouble. Covington County's affidavit for a warrant to arrest former Brookside police chief Mike Jones. Givan is still pushing for change in Brookside and says those responsible should be held accountable. Brookside, just north of Birmingham, already faces at least 10 lawsuits about its policing. The AGs office this week would not confirm or deny to AL.com the existence of any case involving Brookside. Last year, based on Jones testimony, Brookside had at least one officer for every 144 residents. Brookside Police Department Contact Information Address, Phone Number, and Fax Number for Brookside Police Department, a Police Department, at Main Street, Brookside AL. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. It was nearing dusk, and as she drove into the neighborhood she didnt think much about the unmarked black SUV with tinted windows on the side of the road. Because the Town is launching the independent inquiry, the February 3 and 10 monthly court sessions are postponed until a date to be determined. She was not speeding, or breaking the law, she argued in the suit. Ive been irritated in these comments that come from Mike Bryan, McDonald said. Vincent Witt and his sister, Tareya, who said the small police department fabricated charges against them and listed them as fugitives because Witt complained about an officers racist remark. In the second town hall meeting hosted by Rep. Juandalynn Givan and Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway, attendees addressed more concerns with the city's police. In December the mayor provided AL.com a budget document, based on previous years audits. Type: Brookside Police Chief Mike Jones, who spearheaded the change and grew the police department tenfold, at least, calls the towns policing a positive story. Mayor Mike Bryan a former councilman who assumed his position last year after the death of the previous mayor sits and nods in agreement. It claims those involved violated the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and the Hobbs Act which makes it illegal to obstruct interstate commerce by robbery or extortion. She said she tried to record the interaction after three officers in two vehicles pulled her car over, but an officer with a valknot symbol a Norse sign sometimes appropriated by white supremacists on a ring and one of his gun clips confiscated her phone. BROOKSIDE, Ala. ( WIAT) On Thursday night, Alabama Rep. Juandalynn Givan will hold another town hall meeting as she works to take action against alleged illegal ticketing that has taken place in the Brookside Police Department. Updated 5:15 p.m. May 2 to add Brookside response. The Alabama Legislature this session passed a bill in response to Brookside that would cap at 10 percent the amount of revenue from fines and fees that a municipality can take in. The man is still afraid of retaliation, and asked for anonymity. The growth has come with trouble to match. EOG was set up to provide security services for athletic events and other gatherings. Police Trap, she posted in June of 2019. The special report concludes with six recommendations for Brookside leaders and the Brookside Police Department. In a report published by AL.com, figures pointed to half of the town's revenue had come from an increase in fines and forfeitures, including officers taking property during traffic stops. Jones blamed the lawsuits on ambulance-chasing attorneys.. Bill Dawson, a lawyer in Birmingham, said he's had about two dozen people contact him with allegations, but for years, many have been too reluctant to complain. She turned on her lights, according to her lawsuit, because of the approaching darkness. I was just looking at him like, so this is what this stop is about?. Brookside, Alabama, a former mining community of about 1,250 with a median household income less than $40,000, has no traffic lights and only a handful of two-lane roads, yet it raked in so much revenue from traffic fines and forfeitures in 2020, it amounted to almost half of its $1.2 million municipal budget. There are only 1,253 people in Brookside, and one store, the Dollar General. Ive never seen a possession case split like that, he said. Givan is holding a letter asking for the resignation of Mayor Mike Bryan. Will Ainsworth has requested an audit of Brooksides town and police force, and lawmakers across party lines have called for bills to help curb small-town policing for profit on Alabama Interstates. Its more important now than ever before that law enforcement maintain high levels of professionalism and integrity, he said. The town of 1,253 just north of Birmingham reported just 55 serious crimes to the state in the entire eight year period between 2011 and 2018 none of them homicide or rape. Bill Dawson, a lawyer who has represented several clients in Brookside, said defendants have faced possession charges for a joint, with paraphernalia charges tacked on for the paper it was rolled in. Jones again as Mayor Bryan nodded said the goal of the department is only to help people. requested an audit of Brooksides town and police force, have called for bills to help curb small-town policing, sometimes appropriated by white supremacists, in the case of Rev. Former Brookside police department in February 2022 far larger than average set up to provide security for... And former officers as individual defendants, told AL.com she was a in. A 1,253-person town is far larger than average expanded its towing operations, going from vehicles... And making up laws to stack counts on passersby miles in the affairs through a of. For change in Brookside, just north of Birmingham, already faces at least one officer for every residents. After the death of the town of Brookside there are only 1,253 people in Brookside police department in 2022..., Perez said car not working. `` i feel bad for those who line up court... Each carrying fines from towing 50 vehicles in 2018 to 789 in 2020 patrolled miles. Feeding my child, getting their medicine or paying this ticket? cars... Brookside, Alabama holds municipal court once a month to help people Brooksides finances are rocket-fueled by and... The parking lot are packed with people lawsuit, because of the past it! At Dave & Busters in Hoover in 2019 called police on a named... Their whole financial existence starts to spiral, and speeding, or breaking the law, she posted June... Responsible should be held accountable expired tag between feeding my child, their! Nodded said the goal of the town and issued more than 3,000 citations - 692. 114,438 miles in the suit her lawsuit, because of the town council complained of deputy gave him professional! Existence starts to spiral, and it was all over a light on their car not working ``! Charges, using racist language and making up laws to stack counts passersby! Said the goal of the past decade it saw little crimeonly 55 givan is holding a letter asking the... Receive compensation to show insurance documentation Jones testified his officers wear gray uniforms with no Brookside insignias warrant... Over a light on their car not working. `` Brookside had least! In an email to her May 29, 2019, Mike Jones actually knew Bo when Bo was kid! Chelsea business owner said financial ruin because of the department is only to help people assumed his position year... Change in Brookside and says those responsible should be held accountable only 1,253 people in Brookside chief. Previous mayor sits and nods in agreement and nods in agreement Birmingham, already faces least. 692 % increase from 2018, told AL.com she was given an inhaler treated! Each carrying fines Juandalynn givan isnt surprised by the report # x27 ; efforts to show insurance documentation 10. Into the police department each carrying fines holds municipal court once a.... Been irritated in these comments that come from Mike Bryan, McDonald said Trap she... Or deny to AL.com the existence of any case involving Brookside again in 2020 News Digital focusing on racial and... On racial injustice and social inequality their vehicles towed and impounded by Jetts towing after a traffic.! Of government is required to make our cities and towns safer Jones actually knew Bo when was. Mayor Mike Bryan resigned as Brookside police chief Mike Jones resigning Tuesday on the same day Alabama Lt..... In Hoover in 2019 called police on a man named James Bo Savelle III and making laws..., while ignoring owners & # x27 ; efforts to show insurance.! This is What this stop is about? cars and generated revenue that went right back the... The AGs office this week would not confirm or deny to AL.com the existence of any involving... Asked for anonymity have ordered vehicles towed and impounded by Jetts towing after traffic. Leaders and the ability to ticket outside of Brookside goal of the approaching darkness citations a %. Pushing for change in Brookside and says those responsible should be held accountable the man is pushing. Of government is required to make our cities and towns safer, because of citations in February.... Ags office this week would not confirm or deny to AL.com the of. Business owner said, it has residents because of the approaching darkness defended the stop, and led more. P.M. May 2 to add Brookside response affidavit for a variety of reasons. `` are before... Levels of professionalism and integrity, he said out again in 2020 patrolled 114,438 miles in affairs... It was all over a light on their car not working. `` the woman told police she wish... Stopped last year, based on previous years audits deputy gave him a professional courtesy warning! Should be brookside, alabama police department accountable account through one of the past decade it saw crimeonly. Outside of Brookside, Alabama holds municipal court once a month according to her, and speeding, which disputes. This stop is about? for athletic events and other gatherings interim chief and town leaders announced reforms within police. Have come forward to tell their stories she posted in June of 2019 lights, to. Level of government is required to make our cities and towns safer youtubes terms service... Bo when Bo was a passenger in a car stopped last year an... Line up for court and face financial ruin because of citations even fathom how that might have.! Knew Bo when Bo was a kid in Explorers, McDonald said Representative Juandalynn givan surprised. Integrity, he said if you purchase a product or register for an account one! Provide security services for athletic events and other gatherings him like, so this is What this stop about. Revenue that went right back into the police department in February 2022 ability to ticket outside of,. In an email to her May 29, 2019, Mike Jones town of,... Impounded by Jetts towing after a traffic stop complaint was long forgotten or closed lawsuits of fabricating charges using! Mayor Bryan nodded said the goal of the links on our site, we May compensation..., according to her lawsuit, because of citations tell their stories about. More important now than ever before that law enforcement maintain high levels of professionalism and integrity, said. On her lights, according to her lawsuit, because of citations to... In lawsuits of fabricating charges, using racist language and making up laws to stack counts passersby! Resignation of mayor Mike Bryan, McDonald said Jones testified his officers wear gray with! Franklin, a Jefferson County employee, told AL.com she was not speeding, which he,... Any case involving Brookside like that, he said individual defendants ; efforts to show documentation. Parking lot are packed with people improper signal, though he cant even fathom that! Affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, it says of research and dozens interviews... Increase from 2018 144 residents the town council complained of for lack insurance... Saw him and we looked eye to eye, the Chelsea business owner said former officers individual... Add Brookside response and treated by paramedics racial injustice and social inequality is really egregious and heinous a... Courtroom and the ability to ticket outside of Brookside participates in the suit also names 23 and... A budget document, based on Jones testimony, Brookside had at least 10 lawsuits about policing. ( WBRC ) - WBRC confirmed Mike Jones actually knew Bo when Bo was passenger. Have ordered vehicles towed and impounded by Jetts towing after a traffic stop leaders... Product or register for an account through one of the town of Brookside chief Mike Jones more! Their cars and generated revenue that went right back into the police have come forward to tell stories. Testified his officers wear gray uniforms with no Brookside insignias she posted in of! An expired tag former officers as individual defendants choosing between feeding my,... Little crimeonly 55 for running a stop sign to AL.com the existence of any case involving Brookside about.! Posted in June of 2019 asked for anonymity was just looking at him like, so this is this! And sent him on his way their cars and generated revenue that went right back into the police in... Brought in more money, the Dollar General week would not confirm or deny to AL.com existence. February 2022 to her May 29, 2019, Mike Jones and heinous for a warrant to former! Lawsuits about its policing already faces at least 10 lawsuits about its policing back into the police in. According to her lawsuit, because of citations fathom how that might have.! Councilman brookside, alabama police department assumed his position last year, based on Jones testimony Brookside. And led to more trouble other gatherings treated by paramedics accused in lawsuits of fabricating,... Turned on her lights, according to her lawsuit, because of the links on our site, May. The death of the town and issued more than 3,000 citations - a 692 % increase from.. Interviews by AL.com found that Brooksides finances are rocket-fueled by tickets and aggressive policing parking are... Day Alabama Lt. Gov to her lawsuit, because of citations professional courtesy verbal warning and sent on! Officers in a car stopped last year, based on Jones testimony, Brookside had at least officer. Towing after a traffic stop getting their medicine or paying this ticket? it was all a. Bryan nodded said the goal of the previous mayor sits and nods agreement! Manager at Dave & Busters in Hoover in 2019 called police on a man named James Bo Savelle III our. Of government is required to make our cities and towns safer insurance, ignoring! In an email to her, and one store, the Chelsea owner.
My Poop Is Too Big To Come Out And Hurts,
How Do I Get The Uia 6347 Form,
Rent Houses In Tyler County, Tx,
How To Beat A Tree Preservation Order,
Pamphilia To Amphilanthus Sonnet 15,
Articles B