Category: Public Safety
Woodfin Issues Statement After “Glock Switch Ban” Becomes Law
The mayor issued recorded and written statements shortly after Alabama Senate Bill 116 was signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey on Mar. 19.
Mayor: Progress on Crime Commission Recs Moving at ‘Break Speed’
The council also approved incentives for Workplay redevelopment. Read more.
Area Officials Call for Bipartisan Support of State Glock Switch Ban, Other Proposed Public Safety Measures
The chances of gun legislation passing this year are greater than usual in almost solid-red Alabama in the wake of recent violence. Even the governor has backed a package of public safety measures aimed at getting gun offenders off the streets. Read more.
Birmingham Council Sets Hearing on Whether to Revoke Quest Business License
Birmingham leaders next month will discuss revoking the business license of The Quest Club Inc., a private 24-hour nightclub that was the scene of a May shooting in which two men died. Read more.
Birmingham Council OKS Citizen Observer Patrol Unit Despite Safety Concerns
The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday narrowly passed a measure to create a citizen observer patrol unit, with some council members expressing concerns about safety for both the unit and the public.
“In your opinion, do you not think this a liability nightmare for the city of Birmingham,” Councilor Hunter Williams asked city attorneys about the unit, which would be composed of 200 volunteers overseen by the police department.
City attorney Nicole King told the council, “I can say, with the type of training that is in place, that this will be a success, but of course you can never anticipate.”
The council also approved a measure establishing a police department-trained auxiliary police force of volunteers. Read more.
New Pilot Program Will Offer Housing, Resources to People Leaving Prison
The Birmingham Reentry Alliance will provide wrap-around services to dozens of men and women adjusting to life after prison. Read more.
Birmingham Council Allocates $2M DOJ Grant to Expand Youth Violence Prevention Program
The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday voted to give nearly $2 million from a federal grant to expand a local violence prevention program. The Restore program, which offers mental health and case management services to Birmingham youths, has covered children aged 15 to 19, but the initiative is being expanded to include children as young as 11. Read more.
Birmingham Council Expresses Sympathy for Shooting Victims, Including Mayor’s Pregnant Cousin
The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday passed a resolution expressing sympathies for six people killed in recent shootings. The victims included a city employee as well as the pregnant cousin of Mayor Randall Woodfin.
In his comments to the council Tuesday, the mayor expressed his frustration with the lack of leads in finding suspects in the shootings.
“When you have something like this happen in your community, it’s important we enact justice as swiftly as possible. But it turns out BPD can’t do it themselves … it takes people with information to come forward,” Woodfin said. Read more.
Violent Crime Down Slightly for This Year So Far but Car Thefts Soar
New Alabama Law Aims to Improve Police Interactions With People With Disabilities
Some advocates said the law’s requirement of an hour-long training on working with people with “invisible” disabilities and sensory needs is a good start. Read more.
