National and local authorities crack down on use of Glock switches in Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) — The Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney’s Office is teaming up with the ATF and Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama to end glock switch ownership.

Specifically, authorities hope to crack down on the prevalence of illegal machine gun conversion devices in Birmingham and Jefferson County.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office says it’s taking a three-pronged approach to the operation, which includes prioritizing prosecutions, partnering with state and local law enforcement for training and increasing public awareness.

“ATF is going to work with BPD, the Sheriff’s office and others in our county to make sure all officers know about these devices, know what they’re looking for, and know who to call one when they find one,” said U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona.

On Thursday morning, ATF Special Agent Cameron Spivey demonstrated what a Glock modified with a switch looks and sounds like.

“For each time I pull the trigger, it’s only going to shoot one round of ammunition,” Spivey said. “For a Glock switch that’s installed on a Glock firearm, it’s going to actually end up firing everything that’s in that magazine with one pull of the trigger.”

Possessing or manufacturing a switch is a federal offense, which can result in up to 10 years in prison. Spivey said with a switch added he was able to fire 15 to 17 rounds, but he said it was also a lot less accurate.

“You’re not going to hit your target. Unfortunately, that’s how innocent bystanders get struck,” he added.

Birmingham police chief Scott Thurmond said law enforcement is observing more automatic gunfire inside city limits in 2024.

“We’re seeing a lot of these devices, we’re recovering a lot of these guns with these devices, but there’s still a lot of them on the streets,” Thurmond said.

Thurmond said they would also like to see some help from the state in this regard.

“We would encourage our legislators and state representatives to please, please put some legislation in place so the state of Alabama can deal with these individuals as well as the federal government,” he said.

The U.S. Attorney’s office is asking the public to call Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama if they know of anyone who has a “switch” or using a 3D printer to manufacture them. You will not have to testify, as the prosecutions are evidence-based.

Crime Stoppers can be called at 205-254-7777. You can remain anonymous and possibly receive a cash reward.

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