Birmingham Police Staffing Plan Aims to Reduce Crime with Increased Patrols
Birmingham is taking significant steps to address its police staffing challenges, as city officials and police leadership outline a new plan aimed at bolstering patrol officer numbers. The initiative, proposed by Mayor Randall Woodfin, comes during a time when public safety is a growing concern following recent violent incidents in the city.
New Proposal to Fill Vacancies
During an emergency public safety meeting held on Tuesday, Woodfin presented his plan to the Birmingham City Council, requesting approval for measures that could lead to filling 172 vacant patrol officer positions in the department. The Birmingham police department is currently down significantly from its full strength due to a combination of retirements and resignations, with earlier estimates suggesting a shortage of just 63 officers.
City spokesman Rick Journey clarified that the inflated number of vacant positions arose from a mix-up in figures shared with the council and the media. “Police have a full strength number and an unfilled positions number,” he explained. “The 172 referred to patrol positions to be filled.”
Backing from Police Union
Deangelo Hall, president of the Birmingham Fraternal Order of Police, voiced his support for the mayor’s proposal, underscoring that increasing the number of officers patrolling the streets is essential to combating crime. “Boots on the ground has always worked, plain and simple,” he stated. Hall emphasized that in order to recruit and retain police officers, improvements must be made in pay, benefits, and working conditions.
To that end, Hall noted, “This is a great step forward, but we still have to have our primary focus set on those benefits, wages and working conditions.” He stressed that Birmingham must aim to have the highest-paid officers in Alabama to attract new talent.
Funding the Plan
The financial underpinning of this staffing initiative will come from the city’s general reserve fund, which currently holds approximately $290 million. Woodfin acknowledged that while the financial commitment might raise eyebrows, it is necessary for the well-being of the city. He remarked, “We need to be overly aggressive in recruiting.”
Among the costs outlined is a $4.5 million allocation for a take-home vehicle program designed to enhance officer mobility, as well as increased signing bonuses for new recruits, which would rise from $5,000 to $10,000. Additionally, the plan proposes a $10,000 annual retention bonus to keep officers within the department.
Focus on Mental Health and Recruitment
The proposal also includes funds for mental health observance leave, hiring consultants, and a recruitment campaign totaling $600,000. A total of $1.2 million is earmarked for a part-time reserve officer program, with another $561,600 designated for a police trainee program to expedite officer training.
Notably, the mayor plans to assist 20 out-of-state candidates with relocation costs by offering $100,000 in housing assistance, along with a $1,000 referral incentive for existing officers who bring in new recruits.
Recent Recruitment Trends
While attempting to recruit new candidates, the police department faces ongoing challenges, as highlighted by Police Chief Scott Thurmond, who described the current situation as one of the most trying periods for law enforcement. The need for an adequately staffed police force has never been greater, especially considering the recent uptick in 911 calls.
During the recent agility screening, 78 candidates participated, with 38 meeting the physical requirements. This increase in interest is a hopeful sign, according to Deputy Chief Rod Mauldin, who noted, “That’s more than we’ve had in the past four years.” At least 16 candidates are already set to join the next police academy starting in November.
A Community’s Concern
This plan comes in the wake of heightened public concern regarding safety, notably following a mass shooting incident at the Hush Lounge in Five Points South. Mayor Woodfin’s focus on enhancing public safety measures reflects a response to community calls for action and the dire need for a reliable police presence throughout Birmingham.
As Birmingham residents look to the future, the proposed staffing plan represents a commitment to enhancing public safety, tackling crime, and fostering a stronger police force to better serve the community.
