In a recent incident that sparked outrage, a police officer in Andalusia, Alabama has faced disciplinary action after arresting a woman at her home for refusing to show her identification. City leaders have condemned the arrest and have ordered additional training for the entire Andalusia Police Department in city ordinances, constitutional law, and state law.

The incident occurred on February 23 when Twyla Stallworth, 40, called the police to her home to complain about a neighbor playing loud music. While the music momentarily stopped during the police visit, it resumed shortly after they left. Stallworth then deliberately activated her car alarm to attract her neighbor's attention. Subsequently, another neighbor began playing loud music, which led the police to arrive at Stallworth's residence.

Cellphone video footage shot by Stallworth's son, Jermani Marshall, 18, and released by her attorney, Harry Daniels, captures the encounter between Stallworth and Andalusia Police Officer John G. Barton at her doorstep. In the video, Barton can be heard demanding Stallworth's identification, threatening her with arrest if she did not comply. Stallworth, believing she was not legally obliged to provide identification, refused.

Alabama law allows police officers to request individuals' names, addresses, and explanations of their actions if a reasonable suspicion of a crime exists. However, the law does not explicitly state that individuals are required to show identification, such as driver's licenses or passports.

The video further shows Barton ordering Stallworth to put her hands behind her back before forcefully handcuffing her and shoving her onto the couch. Stallworth was subsequently charged with resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental operations, and attempting to elude the police, as per court documents.

City officials have taken action following the incident, with Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson publicly condemning Stallworth's arrest and announcing that all charges against her would be dropped. Mayor Johnson also stated that Officer Barton had been disciplined for failing to uphold his duty to know the law. However, specifics regarding the nature of Barton's discipline were not disclosed.

Moreover, Police Chief Paul Hudson declined to comment on the matter but confirmed in a statement that Barton had received a reprimand and was not suspended.

Stallworth, who is Black, believes her arrest may have been racially motivated, as neither of her white neighbors involved in the dispute were arrested. Mayor Johnson, however, stated that after reviewing bodycam footage, the city found no evidence of discrimination.

Stallworth, a real estate agent who grew up in Andalusia, spent approximately 15 hours in jail before her mother was able to post a bond of over $3,000 in cash to secure her release. Attorney Harry Daniels shared that Stallworth is contemplating legal action against the city and its police department, asserting that her arrest was unjustified.

This incident has reignited conversations about police conduct and racial disparities within the criminal justice system. City officials hope that the additional training implemented for the Andalusia Police Department will prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

It remains to be seen whether Stallworth will proceed with her potential lawsuit against the city and its police department.