Birmingham Community Voices Concerns Over Rising Crime Rates
Birmingham, AL – Following a tragic mass shooting that resulted in the loss of four lives in Five Points South on September 21, 2024, residents and local officials expressed their growing anxiety about safety in the city. A press conference held by City Council members LaTonya Tate and Crystal Smitherman underscored the urgency of the situation.
Calls for Action from City Officials
During a city council meeting on Tuesday, Council member Crystal Smitherman did not mince words regarding her frustrations with the increasing crime rate in Birmingham. She addressed Mayor Randall Woodfin directly, insisting that it is time to “put the hammer down” on those committing violent acts. Smitherman, who described her own feelings of insecurity in the city, stated, “I’m sick of feeling unsafe in my own city.”
Her comments came in the wake of a significant uptick in homicides, with the city potentially heading towards its highest murder count on record. “People are scared,” she reiterated. “We have to make them feel safe again,” pointing out that the perception of crime is affecting the community’s overall wellbeing.
Concerns Shared by the Community
Smitherman highlighted a troubling trend she has noticed — the comfort with which criminals operate in Birmingham. “The only ones who feel safe are the criminals,” she remarked, noting the stark differences in how crime is perceived in Birmingham compared to neighboring communities like Hoover and Vestavia. “You wouldn’t do it in Hoover; you wouldn’t do it in Vestavia,” she said, emphasizing concerns about the uneven enforcement and community safety.
Addressing the state legislature, Smitherman suggested that action is needed to curtail the availability of items such as Glock switches and called for a return to stricter laws requiring permits for handgun ownership instead of the current permit-less carry policy.
The Bigger Picture: Population Decline and Safety
The rising crime rates do not just instill fear among residents; they threaten the very fabric of Birmingham as populations have gradually declined over the decades. Smitherman pointed to this worrying trend as an effect of public perceptions of safety. “My frustration is that we’re going to lose people,” she said after the council meeting. She shared a sentiment that many community members echo: “Grandmas don’t feel comfortable sitting on their porch anymore, that people don’t feel comfortable going out to dinner anymore.”
This sentiment was palpable among attendees at the meeting, where discussions echoed throughout local salons and shops, revealing a community deeply concerned about their safety. “I’m getting calls from people in different cities asking, ‘Are you okay?’” Smitherman noted, emphasizing that safety starts at home and extends to how residents engage with their community.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
Although frustrations were evident, the focus of the conversation remained on solutions. Smitherman is advocating for a united front to address the issues surrounding crime and safety in Birmingham. She believes that everyone — from local leaders to everyday citizens — must play a part in fostering a community atmosphere that prioritizes safety and respect.
As Birmingham navigates a challenging moment in its history, local officials like Crystal Smitherman are striving to restore a sense of security that every resident deserves. The road ahead may be difficult, but the urgency of the matter has rallied many to consider what actions can be taken today to ensure a safer tomorrow for Birmingham.
