SB3 gaining momentum among state lawmakers following Birmingham mass shooting
WHAT WE KNOW | THE VICTIMS | THE INVESTIGATION | UAB FOOTBALL PLAYER AFFECTED | WITNESS | THE SCENE | HUSH LOUNGE STATEMENT | BIRMINGHAM MAYOR | BUSINESSES | GLOCK SWITCHES
Alabama lawmakers are considering a bill which would allow the state to take control of local police departments struggling with violent crime.
"This is an issue of public safety," said State Representative Allen Treadaway.
Treadaway and other lawmakers are frustrated with the violent crime in Birmingham following a deadly mass shooting on Saturday night.
"It's a shame that we keep seeing more and more of this," Treadaway said.
Senate Bill 3, pre-filed in June, would give the governor or attorney general the power to appoint an interim police chief to a department that is struggling to maintain safety.
This person would not be subject to the authority of the mayor, city council, or other municipal officials.
"They're sick and tired that every time a mass shooting tragedy happens, one of these mayors gets on TV, makes excuses, and points fingers at the legislature about passing specific laws," Treadaway said.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has called on state lawmakers to crack down on the usage of Glock switches, advocating for a ban and prison sentences ranging from a minimum of ten years to life without parole.
"Do we need a state statute? Yes, there are things that can fall through the cracks," Treadaway said. "But what is the issue, there is no police presence."
During a news conference this morning, Woodfin discussed efforts to staff the police force, which includes part-time officers and officers from other agencies.
"The detail is being worked out in partnership not only with the Jefferson County Personnel Board but with BPD. They feel close in hashing that detail out since council has approved it," Woodfin said.
"We're at a crisis actually. People who know me, know that I don't say that lightly鈥� we have to address the staffing levels in the police department," Treadaway said.
Birmingham will be starting a crime suppression unit similar to what Montgomery has.
Police Chief Scott Thurmond was in Montgomery meeting with leaders of that unit and the attorney general for guidance.
"They're going into detail how that looks for the city of Birmingham, working with ALEA and other partners and we look forward to those results," Woodfin said.
Last year, the state House of Representatives passed a ban on Glock switches.
Treadaway feels confident the bill will be voted on with bipartisan support in the next legislative session in February.
A committee formed by the House Speaker to address violent crime is set to meet this Thursday, the meeting was scheduled before the deadly mass shooting.