The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
February 18, 2025 – MONTGOMERY, AL – The Alabama House of Representatives passed a joint House resolution (HJR30) declaring their support for crime suppression units.
HJR30 is sponsored by state Representative Reed Ingram (R-Pike Road).
Rep. Reed explained that metro crime suppression units are joint task forces between state, city, and sheriff's law enforcement agencies.
Reed said that this is something that is taking place combining Alabama Law Enforcement Agency officers, Montgomery County sheriff's deputies, and the Montgomery Police Department to increase law enforcement activities in the city of Montgomery.
"This is three entities coming together," Ingram said.
Reed said that he has been working with the Sheriff of Montgomery and ALEA on this and they are working with Montgomery Police Chief Jim Grayboys.
"The funding comes from the General Fund," said Rep. Ingram. "It's about saving lives."
Ingram said that Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) is expanding the program around the state.
Reed was asked by another Representative how ALEA could do this already without getting approval from the Alabama Legislature.
"It is something they have already got the tools for," Reed answered. "The state can go anywhere. The state can write a ticket anywhere."
Reed said that the Montgomery Police Department is currently grossly understaffed.
"For them to hire somebody is problematic right now," said Reed. "The legislature is going to do what we can do to help make people's safe."
"This is open to every municipality," Reed told reporters. "If there is a problem in Wetumpka they can ask and go there. They could go to Prattville."
"This is letting the public know that we are taking public safety seriously," said Ingram.
Ingram said that this resolution supports additional funding for crime suppression units.
"I have heard nothing negative on this at all," said Ingram. "Being a lawmaker public safety is number 1."
HJR 30 passed unanimously.
Ingram talked to reporters after passage.
"Most of our crime is in four or five municipalities," said Ingram. "The prisons are filling up."
"I think crime should be number one to everyone," said Ingram. "Montgomery is below 50%," in staffing its police department.
Steven Reed is the Mayor of Montgomery (no relation). Mayor Reed has refused to tell reporters how far down the city is on police officers.
"I have been told by ALEA that they have not had a report from them since Reed has been mayor," Ingram said. "I think people who live in a municipality needs to know where there is crime in there."
Gov. Ivey called for the Legislature to give ALEA the funding to expand the Crime Suppression Units in her State of the State Address.
Tuesday is Day 6 of the 2025 Alabama Regular Legislative Session.
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