Mayor bans use of pre-dawn search warrants in wake of fatal officer-involved shooting on Sheringham Drive
MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - In the wake of a shooting that left on person dead in an officer-involved incident on Sheringham Drive Monday morning, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson on Monday afternoon announced he is asking the U.S. Attorney to review the police department’s policy, procedures and training related to officers’ use of force.
Further, he said he is banning the department’s use of pre-dawn search warrants “unless there is a pressing need.”
Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine said the incident occurred as narcotics and SWAT officers were serving a search warrant at the home in the 3400 block of Sheringham Drive, which is off Cottage Hill Road.
“Upon making entry to that residence, one of those officers encountered an individual that was armed with a weapon and subsequently fired his weapon striking the person at least once,” Chief Prine said.
The person who was fatally shot was a 16-year-old boy who was not the focus of the warrant. He was taken to a local hospital but died.
Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine says officers had received complaints about the home.
“The officers were investigating complaints at this residence due to narcotics activity. We knew the identity of the person that we were looking for. It has not been determined if it is one of the same of the individual that was shot,” Prine said.
The mayor’s statement reads as follows:
“I want to offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the 16-year-old who lost his life during the execution of a search warrant by Mobile Police officers early this morning. I have unanswered questions about the events leading up to this tragic outcome, and I am taking immediate steps to get those answers.
First, I have asked former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama Kenyen Brown to perform a comprehensive review of the Mobile Police Department’s policy, procedures and training related to officers’ use of force. His work will include a review of prior incidences of police use of force and full access to all evidence, including body camera footage. Following this review, he will issue a report of his findings and recommendations within 90 days. This report will be made available to the public.
Secondly, while this review is being conducted, I am issuing an immediate ban on the Mobile Police Department’s use of pre-dawn search warrants unless there is a pressing need to protect human life. In those rare cases, they will require the approval of the Chief of Police and Public Safety Director.
In looking back over the last ten years, the progress made in the area of public safety was the result of building trust between the community, our police officers, and my administration. We recognize that maintaining this trust is our greatest tool for keeping the City of Mobile safe. We will compassionately respond to this tragedy as we continue to nurture those relationships.”
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