Alabama law enforcement introduces Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit

MONTGOMERY, Ala. ( WIAT ) — A new task force hopes to build momentum in cities across the state to reduce violent crimes.

It’s called the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit, which can be referred to as MACS.

“The message is if we don’t get you this time, we going to get you the next time,” said Montgomery County Sheriff Derrick Cunningham on Thursday.

He also said that the task force is a message to those who want to disrupt the community.

“We have something. We’re targeting you. We’re coming for you,” Cunningham said. “So I appreciate us being able to be a part of this MACS program.”

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are joining the Montgomery County sheriff and Montgomery police chief for the task force.

The unit has made 49 arrests since starting training June 24. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said he hopes this task force will inspire other communities.

“The fact that we can come together and show success here is a model that hopefully can be replicated in other places,” Marshall said. “Maybe different partners coming together with different roles. But yet when you surge law enforcement into areas that are having trouble with crime, you’re allowed to be able to make a difference.”

ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said the task force makes serving a team effort.

“When we train together, we know what the other person is going to do,” Marshall said. “And when you’re out there working, it’s a huge help when you’ve got backup, and you know what they’re trained to do.”

Marshall encouraged communities to take ownership of their cities.

“We have a problem when we don’t know where our kids are at 2 in the morning. It’s a problem when we don’t know whether or not our 15-year-old has a gun,” Marshall said. “It’s a problem when we’re not ensuring those kids are going to school and getting an education. The people behind me are prepared to do their part. We need community to do their part, too.”

In addition to those 49 arrests, the unit has also made 413 traffic stops and recovered five alleged stolen vehicles.

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