Alabama Bill to Allow State Appointment of Police Chiefs Resurfaces

Birmingham, Alabama, August 20, 2025

News Summary

A controversial bill in Alabama aimed at empowering the governor and attorney general to appoint interim police chiefs in cities facing rising crime rates is set for reconsideration in 2026. The legislation, introduced by State Rep. Reed Ingram, strives to enhance public safety during crises amidst escalating crime rates in Birmingham. While supporters argue for state responsibility in safeguarding communities, opponents express concerns over diminished local police authority, especially in light of Birmingham’s significant homicide statistics. The debate gains intensity as municipal elections approach.

Birmingham, Alabama – A controversial bill that would allow the Alabama governor and attorney general to appoint interim police chiefs in cities facing increased crime rates and police shortages is set to be considered again in 2026. This legislation, prefiled by State Rep. Reed Ingram from Montgomery, is intended to empower state officials to act during times of crisis by allowing them to jointly appoint an interim police chief for a period of six months.

The key purpose of the bill is to enhance public safety by addressing concerns over crime spikes and insufficient law enforcement personnel in affected cities. Ingram has emphasized that the intent behind the bill is not political, stating it focuses squarely on ensuring that public safety is maintained, free from partisan influence.

This bill has emerged amidst escalating discussions surrounding the Birmingham mayoral election, as similar legislation proposed during the last legislative session failed to gain traction. The renewed interest in the bill comes as Birmingham contends with complex issues related to crime and community safety, with recent reports indicating a significant rise in crime rates.

Amid the ongoing mayoral race, candidates are voicing their opinions on the proposed legislation. Jefferson County Commissioner and mayoral candidate Lashunda Scales has raised alarms, indicating that the bill could lead to a diminished level of local police authority, thereby undermining community governance. Scales has criticized the current city administration, alleging inaccuracies in crime data reporting and suggesting that such misrepresentation could prompt state intervention through the proposed bill.

Supporters of the bill, including Ingram, have countered these criticisms by asserting that the state must take responsibility when local leaders fail to effectively uphold public safety standards. Ingram has pointed to Birmingham’s dismal record of 152 homicides last year—the highest number since 1933—as a compelling argument for the necessity of the proposed powers for state officials.

Current Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has rejected claims of an impending political takeover, asserting that Birmingham is dedicated to local governance. His spokesperson has highlighted promising developments, including a 50 percent reduction in the city’s homicide rate compared to the previous year and the hiring of over 100 new police officers since the beginning of the year.

The discourse about the bill has also drawn interest from other mayoral candidates. State Rep. Juandalynn Givan, who initially supported Ingram’s earlier bill, has shifted her stance and now opposes the idea of state intervention. Givan has called for more effective local planning to mitigate the need for state takeovers rather than endorsing legislation that could potentially strip away local power.

As the Birmingham municipal elections approach, scheduled for August 26, 2025, the conversation around policing and crime prevention continues to dominate political discourse. The outcome of this legislative proposal and its reception among voters could significantly influence the trajectory of law enforcement governance in the city and statewide.

Key Facts and Figures:

• Bill Focus: Allow Alabama governor and attorney general to appoint interim police chiefs during crime crises.
• Duration: Appointed chiefs would serve for six months.
• Public Safety Goal: Aimed at addressing crime spikes and police shortages.
• Last Year’s Homicides: Birmingham recorded 152 homicides, the highest since 1933.
• Recent Improvements: Birmingham’s homicide rate has decreased by nearly 50% from the previous year.
• New Officers Hired: Over 100 police officers recruited since January 1.
• Upcoming Elections: Birmingham municipal elections on August 26, 2025.

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Additional Resources

• AL.com: Birmingham Mayor’s Race Heats Up Over Proposed State Police Takeover Bill
• CBS 42: House Considers Bill Allowing State Takeover of Alabama Police Departments
• WBRC: 48 New Officers Sworn Into Birmingham Police Department
• Google Search: Alabama Police Legislation
• Alabama Reflector: Bill Allowing Alabama Officials to Appoint Local Police Chiefs Set for House Committee
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Chief

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.