Tag: Birmingham police
Birmingham Police Chief Set to Retire, Pickett Will Be Interim Chief
Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond on Thursday announced he will retire from the department effective Nov. 29. Mayor Randall Woodfin named Deputy Chief Michael Pickett to take over as interim police chief when Thurmond departs. Read more.
Even Watching Exhibition Driving in Birmingham Now Illegal
The Birmingham City Council put penalties on spectators who watch exhibition driving, regardless of whether they’re involved. That and setting a hearing on a lounge where street racers congregate are the latest actions in the city’s campaign against exhibition driving. Read more.
Birmingham to Apply for $200K Law Enforcement Mental Health Grant
The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday voted to apply for a $200,000 federal grant to offer mental health services to law enforcement workers in the city. Read more.
Leroy Stover, Bham’s First Black Police Officer, Dies at 90
Leroy Stover, the first Black to serve as a patrolman on the Birmingham Police Department, died Thursday. He was 90.
“Today, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of former Deputy Chief Leroy Stover,” the police department released via social media. “As the first Black officer to integrate the Birmingham force, his legacy and work at the Birmingham Police Department paved a way for others to follow in his footsteps. We offer our full condolences to the family and know that he would forever be in our hearts and mind.”
Johnnie Johnson, who later became the first Black chief, immediately followed Stover onto the force one day later, in March 1963. They were followed by Bob Boswell and Frank Horn. Read more.
Birmingham Police Partner with DEA to Battle Violent Crime
Birmingham Police officers will be assigned to a new High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas task force under a partnership between the Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. The partnership, Mayor Randall Woodfin said, will “make a huge difference” in the city’s fight against violent crime. Read more.
Scott Thurmond Named Birmingham Police Chief
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced Thurmond’s appointment as police chief Thursday. Thurmond succeeds Patrick Smith, who announced his resignation as police chief in January. Read more.
One Year Later, Where Is the Birmingham Civilian Review Board?
Tuesday marks one year since Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced the launch of the Birmingham Civilian Review Board. But to the public, the board doesn’t seem to be active. Read more.
Birmingham Mayor Promises Raise for Police in Next Budget
Mayor Randall Woodfin has promised Birmingham police officers a raise in the city’s next fiscal year.
“Officers are feeling a considerable amount of pressure over not being appreciated,” Woodfin said during Tuesday’s City Council meeting, which was attended by several “concerned” off-duty police officers.
Woodfin mentioned stressors on the police department, including smaller recruitment classes and growing retirement rates, as well as the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s not just our police,” he said. “Our fire department, public works and general service employees all feel the pinch. (But) what’s unique about these men and women that you see (here) is that they were not afforded the opportunity to take off over the last two years. They were not afforded some other things other employees received because they’re on the front line of public safety. As an administration, I know this council (agrees). We as an administration agree, they deserve a raise. They’re going to get a raise.” Read more.
Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith Resigns, Citing Personal Matters
Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith resigned Friday, saying he wanted to focus on personal matters.
Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin appointed Capt. Scott Thurmond, a 23-year veteran on the force, to replace Smith on an acting basis, according to a statement issued by the mayor’s office.
In a letter to Woodfin on Friday, Smith resigned effective Feb. 25, but he asked to be put on administrative leave with pay until then to allow him to conclude some personal business and to allow for a smooth transition to new leadership. Read more.
Birmingham Debuts New Tech Hub to Help Solve Crime in Real Time
Birmingham leaders officially opened the city’s Real Time Crime Center Tuesday, a project intended to give the Birmingham Police Department new technological tools to help resolve crime more quickly. Read more.
