Birmingham Launches Crime Suppression Push for the Holidays
It’s that time of year again in Birmingham! The city is bustling with holiday cheer, and thanks to newly launched crime suppression efforts, residents and visitors can feel a little safer as they shop, celebrate, and enjoy time with their loved ones. On November 26, 2024, dozens of Birmingham police officers gathered outside the Crossplex to kick off Operation All Out, an initiative that has been brightening the Birmingham streets for over a decade.
Safety First During the Festive Season
As the holiday season approaches, Birmingham Interim Police Chief Michael Pickett shared that the need for increased police presence is crucial. “We know more people are out, more people are traveling in from out of state, more families are together, and we want to make sure that people in our city feel safe,” he stated. And who wouldn’t want that? With so many people bustling about, the last thing anyone wants is to feel uneasy while doing their holiday shopping.
Making Waves with New Partnerships
This year, something special is happening: for the very first time, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with Birmingham police for Operation All Out. This collaboration provides an exciting boost to their crime-fighting efforts. Chief Pickett explained, “As we planned for this year, we said there’s no better time than now to continue what we already have been doing. The sheriff offered their services and we’re very appreciative of that to have a more dynamic impact.”
With roughly 50 officers on the frontline, this operation isn’t just about making the streets feel safer; it’s about doing so proactively. The officers involved in this initiative are designated specifically for this mission and won’t be answering 911 calls, meaning the community can still count on regular patrols when emergencies arise. “These aren’t officers we’re pulling from patrol,’’ Pickett reassured. “It will not deplete any resources that the community has when they call 911. It will only enhance it.”
Smart Strategies for Safer Streets
Every day, law enforcement teams meet to analyze crime trends and strategize. With Operation All Out running through December 31, they plan to keep an eye on areas that are likely to see an increase in crime during the holiday season. Chief Pickett mentioned, “We’re moving in the direction where we’re an intelligence-led police department,” adding that officers will be leveraging the Real Time Crime Center and Metro Area Crime Center to deploy their resources efficiently.
Robberies and thefts often escalate during December as criminals seek easy targets. Chief Pickett noted, “We know where those opportunistic areas are,” which primarily include shopping centers and other crowded venues. The police are treating these areas like a live video game, working to reduce crime by strategically placing officers where they’re needed most.
The Power of Presence
The impact of having police officers around shouldn’t be underplayed. Successful operations in the past have reported impressive figures, such as over 40 felony arrests during last year’s Operation Close Out. Sheriff Mark Pettway expressed the importance of community safety during the holidays, stating, “During the holiday season, we want everybody to feel safe to go out and shop and have a fun time with your family.”
Zero Tolerance for Crime
“We have a zero tolerance for any criminal activity” that might emerge during this festive period, Sheriff Pettway declared. With determined officers and a focused partnership, Birmingham is ready to take back its streets and ensure that laughter, love, and holiday spirit reign supreme.
As we dive into this joyous season, let’s remember that we can all do our part to promote safety. Keep your belongings close, stay aware of your surroundings, and never hesitate to reach out to our hardworking police officers. With Operation All Out in effect, it’s all hands on deck to keep Birmingham safe this holiday season!
