Fayette Police Department

As automated license plate-reading cameras draw increased scrutiny across the country and in Alabama, Fayette Police Chief Danny Jenkins says the Fayette Police Department has safeguards in place designed to prevent the technology from being misused. Fayette currently has two Flock Safety cameras. One has been located at the entrance to Guthrie Smith Park for approximately five years, while a second was recently installed near the Fayette Fire Department’s north station, across from the airport.

The Fayette City Council approved a resolution during its Feb. 8 meeting that will allow officers retiring from the Fayette Police Department to keep their service pistol and badge provided they retire with at least 10 years of service to the department. All council members were present for the meeting.

A one-vehicle accident occurring at the intersection of Second Avenue Northeast and 10th Street Northeast resulted in the loss of traffic lights at the intersection for approximately 42 hours.
The accident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 9. The Fayette Police Department investigated the accident.

An early morning traffic stop by the Fayette Police Department resulted in the arrest of four possible suspects in a rash of recent pharmacy burglaries. Fayette Police Chief Danny Jenkins said that Sgt. Mike Kelley and Police Officer Trace Norris spotted a suspicious car from out-of-county that made a “U-turn” in the road near Cannon Pharmacy on the north end of town at about 3 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17.

The Fayette Police Department recently received a check in the amount of $1,500 in the form of a grant from the 24th Judicial Circuit’s District Attorney’s office. The grant is designated to be used by the department for equipment purchases and training. Jenkins said that he appreciates the district attorney’s office recognizing the hard work his officers perform and aiding the department with the grant. “I’m very grateful for the grant,” Jenkins said. “Anytime you get financial assistance, especially for training and equipment, its always beneficial.”

The quick action of the Fayette Police department resulted in a burglar being captured at the scene of the crime. Gregory Shane Fortner, 39, of 531 11th St. SW, Fayette, was caught hiding in the ceiling at Shop & Save Supermarket in Fayette at approximately 4:30 a.m. on the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 1. The police department responded to the scene when Fortner activated the security alarm at the store.

The Fayette City Council approved the hiring of an additional police officer at its April 9 meeting. All council members were present with the exception of Councilwoman Linda McCraw. Fayette Police Chief Danny Jenkins said that he had an additional vacancy on his staff due to the resignation of Sargeant Adam Smith. Smith resigned to take a position with the Fayette County Sheriff Office as the jail administrator, effective May 1.