Birmingham Officer Reinstated After Controversial Firing
In a surprising turn of events, the three-judge panel of the Jefferson County Circuit Court has ruled unanimously in favor of Stephon Green, a former Birmingham police officer. This ruling comes after Green had been dismissed from the force back in 2019 for an altercation with a female inmate.
Stephon Green, now 30 years old, joined the Birmingham Police Department in 2016 and was serving in the South Precinct when the incident occurred in August 2019. Green was tasked with transporting a restrained female inmate to UAB Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation when the altercation took place.
The Incident
During the transport, the 110-pound woman, who was restrained in handcuffs and leg irons, complained that her leg irons were too tight. Green adjusted the restraints, but the situation escalated when the inmate kicked him. After instructing her to relax, she threw a sandal that struck him in the face. Witness testimonies indicate that, in response, Green hit the inmate, resulting in injuries to her eye.
Legal Proceedings
Following the incident, Green was criminally charged with second-degree assault, and his employment was terminated by then-police Chief Patrick Smith. The charges against Green were ultimately dismissed in 2022 by Judge Alaric May during a Stand Your Ground hearing. Judge May asserted that Green had the right to defend himself in this encounter, citing that an individual does not lose their right to protect themselves simply because of their job. He stated that Green “had a duty to regain control” over the inmate, especially given her mental health concerns at the time.
The Ruling
Green appealed his termination to the Jefferson County Personnel Board, which upheld the firing. However, upon hearing the case again, Judges Marshell Jacks, Kechia Davis, and Adrienne Moffett Powell ruled that the personnel board did not have substantial legal evidence to support its decision. The court’s order emphasized that Green’s firing should be reversed.
“Stephon Green has been vindicated,” said Scott Morro, Green’s attorney. He stressed the need for Green to be reinstated to his position in the police force, emphasizing that the years of emotional, reputational, and financial damage from the termination were profound.
Next Steps for Green
With the ruling, Green is entitled to receive back pay and benefits that he lost during his time away from the force. Morro indicated that it has been a long and challenging journey for Green, but he feels that their fight for justice was ultimately worthwhile. “Someone owes him a damn apology,” Morro added, acknowledging the struggle Green faced throughout this ordeal.
City’s Response
As for the response from the City of Birmingham, officials have referred inquiries to the Mayor’s Office, where a spokesman declined to comment, citing ongoing legal matters.
This ruling marks a significant moment for both Green and the Birmingham Police Department, raising questions about police conduct, accountability, and the rights of officers in volatile situations. The community now watches closely to see how this reinstatement will affect Green’s career and the standards held by the police department here in Birmingham.
