Hanceville Disbands Police Department and Municipal Court, Names New Mayor

City leaders vote to restructure public safety after corruption allegations against police department.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The city council of Hanceville, Alabama voted to dismantle the city's police department and municipal court amid allegations of corruption within the police force. The police department has been suspended, and all evidence and property will be turned over to the Cullman County Sheriff's Office. The municipal court, which worked closely with the police department, will also be discontinued. Until a new law enforcement structure is in place, the Cullman County Sheriff's Office will provide coverage in Hanceville on an overtime, voluntary basis.

Why it matters

The dissolution of Hanceville's police department and municipal court represents a significant restructuring of the city's public safety apparatus following claims of misconduct within the police force. This move raises questions about the city's ability to maintain law and order in the interim, as well as the long-term implications for how Hanceville will provide policing and judicial services to its residents.

The details

The Hanceville city council voted to dismantle the police department and municipal court, with evidence and property being turned over to the Cullman County Sheriff's Office. The police department had been suspended amid allegations of corruption. In the meantime, the Cullman County Sheriff's Office will provide coverage in Hanceville, with deputies working overtime on a voluntary basis.

  • The city council vote took place on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Noland Bradford

The newly appointed mayor of Hanceville.

Cullman County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that will provide interim coverage in Hanceville until a new public safety structure is in place.

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What’s next

The city of Hanceville will need to develop a new plan for providing law enforcement and judicial services to its residents in the wake of disbanding its police department and municipal court.

The takeaway

The dissolution of Hanceville's police department and municipal court highlights the challenges cities can face in maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law when allegations of misconduct arise within local law enforcement. This event will likely prompt broader discussions about police accountability and the role of local government in ensuring effective and ethical policing.