Birmingham FOP Considers Vote of No Confidence in BPD Chief and Commanders
The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) in Birmingham has posed a threatening vote of no confidence towards Police Chief Scott Thurmond and his team of commanders. The group, which stands as an arbitration body for police personnel, has ascribed low morale and lack of effective leadership as triggers for this decision.
Motion For Vote Introduced
Following an FOP gathering on June 4th, Vice President Lawrence Billups disclosed in a news conference that a motion for a no confidence vote was being planned. Billups explained that any FOP member can introduce a proposal during their meetings, and the no confidence proposal against Chief Thurmond is now scheduled for a full membership review.
Desiring Strong Leadership
Billups expressed his disappointment in the current state of law enforcement in the city, citing prevalent chaos and rampant violence in its streets. “Right now we have nothing. We’re scrambling, we have people dying every day. We had a young man last night. We’ve got people killing people in broad daylight,” he lamented.
When asked what could restore the FOP’s trust in the police department’s leadership, Billups had a straightforward response. “We just want somebody to come in here and lead us…somebody coming in with enough confidence to say this is the direction we’re going in. This is my plan for the Birmingham police department,” he stated.
Mayor Voices Support for BPD Leadership
Birmingham Mayor, Randall Woodfin, responded to the situation with clear-cut support for the police department’s leadership. He characterized the vote of no confidence as a distraction, voicing his hope that the relatively unsatisfied members of the FOP would prefer constructively contributing to the improvement of the force, including the recruitment of newer staff.
Sentiments of Birmingham Residents
Local residents also shared their views on the matter. Newcomer Edgar Roach feeling safe expressed that, “I feel confident when I’m here, and I enjoy the atmosphere of the people. And it’s definitely the men and woman of the Birmingham police department that make that possible,”.
On the other hand, lifelong resident Alfred East expressed some reservations. He wondered whether the department pursued criminals as doggedly as required and confessed feeling that BPD’s effectiveness had declined over his seven decades in Birmingham.
Coming Up: The No Confidence Vote
The proposed vote of no confidence shall be brought before FOP members in a meeting next month. Not only Chief Scott Thurmond but Assistant Chief LaQuaylin Mack, Deputy Chief Michael Pickett, Deputy Chief Sheila Finney, and Deputy Chief Onree Pruitt will also face the vote.
