Decatur Police Department, Alabama

Today, we officially welcomed two new lateral officers to the Decatur Police Department! We are proud to have their expertise on our team.

Officer Kaitlin Sweet started her career in corrections in 2018 before transitioning to patrol at the Morgan County Sheriff's Office. Officer Ben Zimlich began his service in South Alabama in 2019 and later policed in Mississippi before returning to Alabama.

They are ready to hit the ground running to keep our community safe. Welcome!

Weekly stats: September 25 - October 1, 2026.

Building stronger connections through community engagement! Officer Bates enjoyed the opportunity to speak with North Alabama’s Safety Professionals today about the importance of building relationships, strengthening communication, and working together to create a safer community.

The Decatur Police Department and the Partnership for a Drug-Free Community are hosting a drive-up medication take-back at City Hall on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 AM to 2 PM.

It’s a great opportunity to clean out your medicine cabinet and safely get rid of any expired or unused meds. Just drive up, drop them off, and help keep our community safe!

The City of Decatur has warned zoning applicants about suspicious emails and invoices that appear to come from the Planning Department and request payment. Before acting on a suspicious request, call the department directly at 256-341-4720.

The City of Decatur Planning Department does not accept or request wire payments or transfers.

For additional information: https://www.decatur-al.gov/news/index.php

We couldn’t have done it without you! ❤️

A huge shoutout to the incredible local businesses and companies that have poured into our ACES program over the years! Your generous donations and continuous support have created lasting memories and a truly positive impact on our youth.

Thank you for your partnership!

Boys & Girls Club 3rd Street Unit
Boys & Girls Club Oak Park Unit
Decatur Youth Services
Pepsi Bottling Company
Lynn Layton Chevrolet
Renasant Bank
JB & L, LLC
Domino’s Pizza
Zaxby’s
Jimmy John’s
Olive Garden
Point Mallard Waterpark
Buffalo Wild Wings
BamaLee Foundation
Trinity Baptist Church
Chick Fil A
Hulse Chiropractic

HEADS UP: Austin High School will be having their homecoming parade Thursday night starting at 5:30 p.m.! 📣🥳 Please review the map for the parade route.

The parade will start on 2nd Ave., turn left on Lee St., continue onto Bank St. and conclude near the intersection of Bank St. and Church St.

A big THANK YOU to the Pilot Club of Decatur for hosting their Swamp John's fundraiser yesterday to benefit Project Lifesaver. We are incredibly grateful for their continued efforts to keep this vital program available to our community at no cost. We also want to thank everyone who came out to show their support!

The program provides bracelets to adults or children with cognitive conditions who are prone to wander. The bracelet helps locate your loved one quickly and safely if they go missing.

For more information or to find out if your loved one may qualify, visit: https://builder1.revize.com/revize/decatural/government/departments/police/community_programs.php

On September 14th, 2026, Decatur Police Officers received a report of a sexual abuse incident involving a juvenile that occurred in the city limits of Decatur.

Through the course of the investigation, it was determined there was probable cause to issue a warrant against Tre Gray for So**my in the 1st degree. On October 13th, 2026, Gray was taken into custody for So**my in the 1st degree and held at the Morgan County Jail without bond.

*All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law*

Today, we celebrate Officer Larry Sharpley and more than 25 years of dedicated service to the Decatur Police Department.

Sharpley has earned the respect of his fellow officers and the community through his commitment, courage, and dependability.

He is the most decorated officer in Decatur Police Department history, including receiving the Alabama Legislative Medal of Honor, the highest recognition for a law enforcement officer in Alabama and later being named a runner-up for the same honor.

25+ years. Countless lives impacted. A legacy that speaks for itself.

Congratulations, Officer Sharpley, and thank you for your unwavering service to Decatur.