News Summary
The city of Birmingham has appointed Captain Raymond Cochran as the Interim Deputy Chief of Patrol Operations for the Birmingham Police Department. Announced by Mayor Randall L. Woodfin, this change follows the retirement of Deputy Chief Onree Pruitt. Cochran, with 36 years of service in the department and a notable military background, aims to ensure stability during this transitional period. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and has held several leadership roles within the Birmingham Police Department.
Birmingham Appoints New Interim Deputy Chief of Patrol Operations
The city of Birmingham has officially appointed Captain Raymond Cochran as the new Interim Deputy Chief of Patrol Operations for the Birmingham Police Department. This decision was made public by Mayor Randall L. Woodfin on Monday, and it comes on the heels of the retirement of Deputy Chief Onree Pruitt.
Cochran’s Experience and Background
Raymond Cochran brings an impressive 36 years of service with the Birmingham Police Department to his new role. Prior to this appointment, he was already serving as the Acting Deputy Chief of Patrol Operations, which provided him with a strong foundation for the responsibilities of the position. Cochran has also held several key leadership roles throughout his career, including Commander of the South Precinct, Narcotics Division, Crimes Against Property Division, and Tactical Operations Division.
Military Service
Cochran’s experience extends beyond law enforcement; he is also a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, having served for 29 years. His military background includes participation in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. Over his service in the military, Cochran completed multiple leadership training courses that have undoubtedly contributed to his extensive skill set in handling various operational challenges.
Educational Qualifications
In terms of education, Cochran holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Miles College. This academic foundation, along with his extensive field experience, positions him well to lead the Patrol Operations Division during this transitional period for the department.
Department Leadership Structure
With this appointment, Cochran joins the command staff of the Birmingham Police Department, which is currently led by Chief Michael Pickett. The command team also includes Deputy Chiefs Rodarius Mauldin, responsible for Administrative Operations; Jeffrey Brown, overseeing Investigative Operations; and JaCorey Foster, who is serving as the Interim Deputy Chief of Special Operations.
Changes in Leadership
Following Deputy Chief Pruitt’s retirement, which created the vacancy for Cochran, the position of Assistant Chief will remain unfilled for the time being. This decision reflects the department’s strategy to adapt to recent changes within its leadership structure while ensuring effective management of ongoing operations.
Conclusion
Cochran’s appointment as Interim Deputy Chief of Patrol Operations is expected to provide stability and continuity within the Birmingham Police Department as it navigates through this period of transition in leadership. His diverse experience in both law enforcement and military service positions him as a capable leader to guide the Patrol Operations Division moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Veteran Birmingham Police Officer Named Interim Deputy Chief
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
- ABC3340: Birmingham Mayor Appoints Veteran Captain
- Google Search: Birmingham Police Department
- CBS 42: Interim Birmingham Deputy Chief of Patrol Operations Appointed
- Google Scholar: Police Leadership
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
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.
