Birmingham, AL, October 4, 2026 — A temporary restraining order has been issued by a Jefferson County judge, halting the city of Brookside, Alabama, from proceeding with plans to disband its police department.

The judicial intervention follows a civil complaint filed by the city’s police chief. The chief alleges that the proposed disbandment of the police force is an act of retaliation. According to the complaint, this action is in response to his reporting of potential government misconduct within the city’s administration.

The specific concerns raised by the police chief reportedly include irregularities related to municipal funds and issues concerning 911 records. The full details of these allegations were not provided in the summary.

The city has contested the lawsuit’s claims. The city attorney stated that the legal action initiated by the police chief is “legally and factually baseless.” The name of the Jefferson County judge who issued the order, as well as the name of the police chief and the specific date the restraining order was granted, were not immediately available.

The temporary restraining order is designed to preserve the status quo while the court considers the matter further. The outcome of this legal dispute could have significant implications for public safety services in Brookside and the relationship between city officials and the police department.

No further details regarding the timeline for the court’s review or any subsequent actions by the city or the police chief were disclosed.


Story summarized from the original created by WBRC Digital Staff on www.wbrc.com, see more information here.

Media gallery

About The Author