Mobile City Council Criticizes Police Use of Force: Mobile, Ala. The tragic death of a 16-year-old shot and killed by a Mobile Police officer during the execution of a search warrant drew outrage from Mobile City Council members at Tuesday’s meeting. The incident occurred on Sheringham Drive as narcotics and SWAT officers entered a home, where the teen allegedly pointed a laser-sighted handgun at officers.
Councilman William Carroll expressed concern about the use of force, stating, “Sometimes I think we watch SWAT on TV too much. Training is the issue here.”
Police Chief Paul Prine indicated that the target of the search warrant, 18-year-old Deangelo Adjessom, was not present during the entry. The warrant was related to the investigation of marijuana distribution at the residence.
Carroll criticized the severity of the response, stating, “A marijuana warrant? Come on. On a marijuana warrant! It wasn’t like somebody killed somebody.”
Prine confirmed that officers announced their presence before entering, despite the home having multiple occupants, including an 8-year-old.
Councilman Cory Penn emphasized the need for caution, stating, “No pre-dawn raid should take place when children are at home.”
In response to the incident, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson implemented a ban on pre-dawn raids and initiated a comprehensive review of the police department’s use of force policies. Former U.S. Attorney Kenyen Brown was tasked with analyzing recent instances of force and submitting findings in a public report within 90 days.
Stimpson acknowledged the tragic outcome, stating, “Death is never the intended outcome of any search warrant that we do or any engagement that we have. And so when you have a death, you know, you have to say, what could we have done differently?”
Despite these actions, some residents like Tim Hollis expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “Every time tragedy sparks, there’s always an alibi to give to the citizens and the public. As if things are being handled, but if things are being handled, they wouldn’t continue to spread out and be just as bad as we see things.”
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Our Reader’s Queries
What to do when police use excessive force?
Those who have been subjected to police misconduct, brutality, or excessive force have the right to file a lawsuit in California. Misconduct occurs when law enforcement officers use unnecessary force during an arrest. If you are a victim of misconduct, you also have the option to file a civil rights lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983.
Who is the chief of police in Mobile?
Chief Paul O. Prine hails from Prichard, Alabama and is a proud graduate of C.F. Vigor High School, class of 1990. He’s been happily married to Kay Sayasane Prine for 26 years and is a devoted father to three wonderful children.