City of Birmingham Receives $4.5 Million in Federal Funding to Help Fight Crime

The City of Birmingham was recently awarded a significant federal grant of $4.5 million. The funding, part of the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act, aims to help the city fight and investigate crime through the city’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC).

Commitment to the Fight Against Crime

The U.S. House and Senate passed the federal government’s 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act with an overwhelming majority. The act, signed into law by President Joe Biden, included the allocation recommended by Senator Katie Britt of Alabama, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin expressed his gratitude for the grant, stating, “We are grateful to Senator Britt for her support. These funds mean increased support in helping our officers fight and investigate crime.”

Investing in Infrastructure

The Birmingham Police Department plans to use this new funding to purchase additional cameras. These cameras will be primarily placed in areas recognised as high-crime spots, according to Police Chief Scott Thurmond. This live footage will provide direct input to the City’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC).

The RTCC, in operation since 2021, acts as a central hub for the city’s crime-fighting technology. The center, equipped with monitors and workstations, enables both sworn officers and civilian personnel to access immediate information from various systems such as the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system, citywide camera feeds, and license plate readers. Additionally, the RTCC unit includes a crime analyst and a cyber forensics team. Collectively, the team leverages technology and data-driven intelligence to assist in crime prevention and the apprehension of offenders.

Prioritizing Public Safety

In the Spring of 2023, the City of Birmingham held a discussion with the congressional delegation to outline the City’s federal agenda for the year. The primary focus of the meeting was the City’s appropriations requests for congressionally directed community-based projects. Its top priority was a substantial federal investment to expand the Birmingham Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center.

This fresh lump sum of $4.5 million represents a significant step towards advancing the city’s abilities to tackle crime. With the help of cutting-edge technology and skilled personnel, Birmingham looks forward to safer neighborhoods and a decrease in crime rates.