New police chief defends himself against accusations that the police are too strict: “Be glad that we are enforcing the law” | WDHN

HARTFORD, Alabama (WDHN) – Since taking office, Hartford Police Chief Pete Markow has faced some resistance from his community, with some complaining he is too strict.

Chief Markow was sworn in on April 15, six months after the retirement of former Chief Annie Ward.

Many Hartford residents have spoken out against Police Chief Markow, saying they are not used to certain laws enforced by previous administrations, such as parking on the correct side of the street, speed limits, tinted windows and other traffic laws.

“Go to your state legislature and tell them you don’t like these laws,” Markow said. “We will enforce the law. That’s what we’re going to do. That’s what we’re paid to do. That’s what you expect us to do.”

Shortly after taking control, Hartford police made their rounds throughout the city, distributing informational pamphlets about illegal parallel parking on the street.

Police Chief Markow told WDHN that after distributing these flyers, people in Hartford took to social media to claim he was enforcing “a new law.”

“This is not a new law. It’s been around since I was a police officer,” the police chief said. “I checked with ALEA (Alabama Law Enforcement Agency), and parallel parking is part of every driving test. People just forgot about it.”

Chief Markow says HPD officers have not issued a single parking ticket since taking over his department, even though his department enforces these basic laws.

“You don’t have to rule with iron first,”

The chief says he is there not only to enforce state and federal laws, but also to help Hartford residents with city ordinances and any other concerns they may have.

“If a citizen has a legitimate complaint, I will look into it. This is a team effort,” Markow said. “We are here for the community. If you have a problem, you need to tell us.”

Prior to his time in law enforcement, Chief Markow served as an Airborne Ranger and in the U.S. Army Special Forces. He retired from the military as a Sergeant Major.