HJR305 Summary

• Commends Sergeant Joe Cotner of the Mobile Police Department as a nominee for the 2016 Alabama Legislative Medal of Honor for Law Enforcement, the state's highest law enforcement award for extraordinary courage in the line of duty.

• On March 2, 2015, Sergeant Cotner investigated reports from a parent about unsafe conditions and abuse at Saving Youth Foundation, a residential treatment center, and coordinated inspections with the Department of Human Resources and Mobile County Health Department.

• The investigation discovered unsanitary living conditions with multiple code and food violations, systematic willful neglect and abuse by staff, resulting in the rescue and removal of 36 children from the facility, three staff members charged with 24 counts of Aggravated Child Abuse, and the facility's closure.

• Sergeant Cotner's investigation prompted similar investigations of associated residential treatment facilities in other states for comparable issues.

• The Legislature recognizes and honors Sergeant Joe Cotner for demonstrating courage, diligence, and responsibility in protecting vulnerable children and directing that he receive a copy of this resolution as evidence of admiration and esteem.