He's pledged change for the embattled department.
Decatur has a new leader in law enforcement after Torry Mack was sworn in Monday as the city's police chief.
The ceremony took place at Ingalls Harbor, where city leaders gathered to welcome Mack into his new role.
The new chief addressed the city for the first time in his role, emphasizing one of his main goals as building and maintaining trust in the community.
鈥淲e鈥檝e been plagued for the last 22 months. We have to get out into the community, we have to bridge that gap and that鈥檚 my goal, lead with clarity," Mack said. "Meet with stock holders, business owners, citizens, and the police department and let them know we must be intentional if we want to get from under this cloud.鈥
Mack said he understands the trust in the city of Decatur will have to be gained through time, truth, and service.
Decatur City Council President Jacob Ladner expressed his excitement about Mack's appointment.
鈥淚 think he鈥檒l do a really good job,鈥 Ladner said. 鈥淲e鈥檒l see, you don鈥檛 know until somebody is on the job but I have high expectations that I think he will meet so I鈥檓 excited to get him here.鈥
Ladner praised Mack for his performance during the interview process and noted that Mack received glowing references. He mentioned speaking with close to 20 people who have worked with Mack and shared positive feedback about him.
Mayor Tab Bowling said now is the time for a positive change in city leadership.
鈥淚t's time for all of us to come together and unify to support Chief Mack," Bowling said. "I believe that our department is ready to do that and give him every opportunity to grow to do exactly what he said today."
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Chief Torry Mack.
