Prichard Police Chief Resigns, Major Placed on Administrative Leave Following Grand Jury Investigation

PRICHARD, Ala. (BuzzReport)— The City of Prichard is entering a period of major uncertainty after Police Chief Walter Knight resigned and Major Aaron Tucker was placed on unpaid administrative leave following their recent arrests and the release of findings from a Special Grand Jury investigation into the Prichard Police Department.

The announcement was made by Mayor Jimmie Gardner, who described the situation as one of the most difficult challenges in the department’s history and pledged to restore public trust through transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership.

“The city of Prichard is facing one of the most difficult moments in the history of our Police Department,” Gardner said in a public statement. “As mayor, my foremost responsibility is to protect the safety of our residents while ensuring that the city government operates with integrity and accountability.”

Chief Knight Asked to Step Down

According to the mayor, he met with Chief Walter Knight and requested his resignation following the release of the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office’s findings from a Special Grand Jury investigation. Knight submitted his resignation shortly afterward.

Knight served as Prichard’s police chief for nine years and spent a total of 26 years with the Prichard Police Department.

The arrests of Knight and Major Aaron Tucker have placed the department under intense public scrutiny as prosecutors continue pursuing the criminal cases.

Major Aaron Tucker Placed on Leave

Mayor Gardner also announced that Major Aaron Tucker has been placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the legal proceedings and the city’s review.

Tucker has served with the department for more than three decades, making him one of its longest-serving command staff members.

City officials have not announced additional personnel actions beyond those already disclosed.

Veteran Officer Takes Command

To maintain continuity in law enforcement operations, the city has appointed Captain Maxine Mark to oversee the department’s day-to-day operations during the leadership transition.

Mark brings 33 years of law enforcement experience and will lead daily operations while city officials work to develop a transition plan and determine who will serve as interim police chief.

City leaders emphasized that maintaining public safety remains the top priority throughout the transition.

Grand Jury Recommends Major Department Restructuring

Perhaps the most significant recommendation to emerge from the Special Grand Jury investigation is its call to dissolve and restructure the Prichard Police Department.

Mayor Gardner confirmed that city officials are reviewing every available option before making any decisions regarding the future of the department.

“We are currently exploring all possible options to determine how any transition can be handled responsibly and in the best interests of Prichard residents, employees, and business owners,” the mayor said.

If implemented, such a recommendation would represent one of the most sweeping changes to law enforcement in Prichard’s history.

Community Trust at the Center

The developments have raised serious concerns among residents regarding accountability, oversight, and the future direction of policing in Prichard.

Mayor Gardner acknowledged those concerns and encouraged residents to remain engaged throughout the process. He said his office is committed to transparency and welcomes questions and feedback from the public.

Residents seeking additional information or wishing to share concerns may contact the Mayor’s Office by emailing mayorsoffice@thecityofprichard.org or by calling (251) 452-7800.

Investigation Continues

The arrests of Chief Walter Knight and Major Aaron Tucker, coupled with the Special Grand Jury’s recommendations, mark a pivotal moment for the City of Prichard. As legal proceedings continue and city leaders evaluate possible reforms, officials say their focus remains on preserving public safety while rebuilding confidence in the police department.

The city has not announced a timeline for selecting permanent leadership or whether it will move forward with restructuring recommendations, but additional developments are expected as the investigation and transition process continue.