<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3OKZXb_0wKCrLdB00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3OKZXb_0wKCrLdB00" width="1320" height="743" >BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) — Birmingham Chief of Police Scott Thurmond announced his retirement Thursday morning.Thurmond made the announcement during a news conference announced by Mayor Randall Woodfin."I've had a lot of thought about this, and this is just something that I've decided to do. The time is right. There's many positive things that are going on for the city, the city of Birmingham right now, and I feel that the police department will be in very good hands, going forward," said Thurmond.<div style="position:relative;width:100%; height:0; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vvwuqxO_jgA?si=h-xmvPX3kNdv7Iu0" frameborder="0" style="width:100%; height:100%;top:0; left:0; position:absolute"></iframe></div>Thurmond said his retirement would be effective Friday, November 29.Woodfin thanked Thurmond for his service to the city."I want to pick up by thanking Chief Thurmond for his many, many years of service, as well as his commitment to our city, his commitment to the men and women that he has led," said Woodfin. "Under Chief Thurmond's leadership, just to remind us, we have seen a reduction in overall violent crime in our city," Woodfin added.Thurmond recently fell under scrutiny due to public safety concerns in the city. A petitioncirculated among Birmingham residents accusing Thurmond of poor leadership, particularly in managing rising homicide rates.State Representative Juandalynn Givan calledfor Thurmond's resignation shortly after the petition began.Law enforcement officials from other Alabama departments have spoken out in his defense, including Oxford and Calera police chiefs.The Birmingham Fraternal Order Police was expected to formalize a no confidence vote against Thurmond in July, but held off citing it was awaiting proposed new legislation to combat crime in the city.Thurmond became chief of police in 2022 following an interim stint in the position after the previouspolice chief, Patrick Smith, resigned.Woodfin said Deputy Chief of Special Operations Michael Pickett will serve as the interim police chief. Pickett has two decades of law enforcement service.Woodfin said Pickett has led the department's response to exhibition driving via Operation Knight Rider. He also led security and safety efforts for the World Games event that was held in the city in 2022."Deputy Chief Pickett is a committed public servant. I am grateful for his willingness to step up and lead at this time. He is known for his innovative public safety strategies and we look forward to his leadership," said Woodfin."“I want to thank Mayor Woodfin for his confidence in me and offering this opportunity,” said Pickett. “My focus is straightforward. – a safer city. I’ll aim to motivate and reinvigorate our men and women in the department.Attract more officers to join this department while emphasizing efficient and effective policing. My number one goal is to make the citizens of Birmingham feel safer and to make criminals uncomfortable and fearful in our city. Thank you and I look forward to getting to work.”Woodfin also announced more leadership appointments during the news conference. Captain Edmond Hanks will move to the position of Interim Assistant Chief of Police effective November 29, 2024.Other appointments included:<ul><li>Deputy Chief of Patrols Onree Pruitt. As head of patrols, Chief Pruitt’s officers are the front line in protecting our neighborhoods. His team has made a dramatic impact in the Safe Streets: East Lake pilot project - slowing traffic, increasing patrols and reducing safety concerns for many residents.</li><li>Deputy Chief of Investigations, Jeff Brown, will continue to lead the units and teams responsible for solving homicides as well as other crimes against persons and property. Brown’s team recently announced arrests associated with the mass shooting in 5 Points South and they continue to work hard to bring justice to all families affected by gun violence in Birmingham.</li><li>Chief Rodarius Mauldin serves as the administrative leader for the department, ensuring BPD communications, operations, and human resources run smoothly. Mauldin’s number one priority is recruitment and retention of patrol officers and ensuring BPD is competitive among other law enforcement and related agencies.</li></ul></div></body>

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Birmingham Chief of Police Scott Thurmond announces retirement

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) — Birmingham Chief of Police Scott Thurmond announced his retirement Thursday morning. Thurmond made the announcement during a news conference announced by Mayor Randall Woodfin. \"I've had a lot of thought about this, and this is just something that I've decided to do. The time is...

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) — Birmingham Chief of Police Scott Thurmond announced his retirement Thursday morning. Thurmond made the announcement during a news conference announced by Mayor Randall Woodfin. "I've had a lot of thought about this, and this is just something that I've decided to do. The time is...