Local activist Sabrina Mass speaks on behalf of suspended Mobile police chief Paul Prine during Tuesday’s city council meeting. (Arthur Mack/Call News)
By ARTHUR L. MACK
MOBILE — The fate of suspended police chief Paul Prine will remain in limbo for at least another week but the Mobile City Council said Tuesday it plans to investigate Prine’s claims of wrongdoing by Mayor Sandy Stimpson’s administration.
Stimpson has recommended that the council fire Prine in the wake of a review of the Mobile Police Department’s use-of-force policy by former U.S. Attorney Kenyen Brown.
The council held over for another week a resolution to fire Prine while Brown’s report is reviewed. Stimpson said that report had just been received by the council and he added the MPD’s command staff, including captains, need to provide their input while giving Brown time to redact the report to avoid compromising the attorney-client privilege.
Councilmembers said they welcome an opportunity to launch an investigation regarding Prine’s recent accusations, including his contentions the city failed to resolve his written grievances, city officials colluded to remove him and contracts have been improperly entered into.
Council President C.J. Small said a committee, including councilmembers and an independent investigator, is scheduled to meet April 30 to discuss how to handle the investigation.
“An investigation will allow us to ease the confusion,” Councilmember William Carroll said. “People don’t know who to trust. The idea here is to be transparent and reestablish public trust.”
Prine, who was present at Tuesday’s meeting, said he is confident the council will open an investigation.
“I’m confident that the council sees the support of people who are here and not here who want to support transparency,” he said. “It’s to address policy about appointees and how is that to work. It will also determine whether or not we’ve gotten away from best accounting practices.”
Prine’s supporters were out in full force during the meeting, which started at 3 p.m. because councilmembers went into executive session following their work session to discuss Brown’s report.
“Take heed of what’s happening,” Prine supporter Sabrina Mass said. “Truth will prevail and justice will prevail.”
