Birmingham police, US Marshals team up to combat violent crime during summer

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) – Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond announced a new initiative to crack down on violent crime — with the help of the U.S. Marshals Service.

At a press conference Thursday morning, Chief Thurmond revealed he reached out to U.S. Marshal Martin Keely in April to formulate a plan to combat crime in Birmingham during the summer.

“We wanted to target those who are the most prolific violent offenders, if you will,” Thurmond said. “In doing that we created a list of those offenders [and] we compiled a number of law enforcement personnel and resources to kick this initiative off.”

Chief Thurmond said the collaborative effort with the U.S. Marshals Service has been extremely successful so far. Since May 10, there have been 121 felony arrests which include 23 for homicide, 21 for robbery, 22 for sexual offenses and 17 for aggravated assault cases.

According to the chief, 20 illegal firearms have also been seized.

“If those individuals had been allowed to be on the streets of Birmingham, what would our crime been like if they had been allowed to continue to do what they do every day,” Thurmond said.

Following Thursday’s press conference, residents of the Birmingham metro area spoke to CBS 42 about feeling safe in the city.

“In the suburbs I do,” said Meghan Cease, who lives in Mt. Laurel. “I don’t necessarily feel safe downtown once it gets dark.”

“In certain parts of the city I feel safe,” downtown worker Tamra Lark said. “This area, I’m fine with. Other areas, not so much […] I just don’t think they have enough police, simple as that.”

“I’ve been here all my life so I know where to go, where not to go,” Adamsville resident William McKinstry said.

Chief Thurmond pointed out that the new initiative with the U.S. Marshals Service is an ongoing one during the press conference.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.