Montgomery Chamber’s ‘Around the Table’ Series Focuses on Regional Crime Response and Collaboration
Capital Region leaders received key updates on public safety, legislative wins, and results from the State’s Crime Task Force and Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit (MACS).
June 5, 2025 – Montgomery, AL —The regional business community, elected officials, state representatives, law enforcement officials, and faith-based leaders recently gathered at the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce to hear key updates and next steps on crime reduction, recent legislative wins, and the coordinated efforts of the State's Crime Task Force and the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit (MACS).
Moderated by Stacia Robinson, 2025 Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, the forum was part of the Chamber’s ongoing Around the Table series and featured the following panelists:
- Sheriff Derrick Cunningham, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office
- Chief Jim Graboys, Montgomery Police Department
- Chief Deputy District Attorney Azzie Oliver, Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office
- Secretary Hal Taylor, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Since last year, business and law enforcement leaders have deepened their collaboration, aligning public safety and economic priorities to address crime with greater urgency and effectiveness.
Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit (MACS)
Established on June 24, 2024, MACS is a coordinated effort led by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) in partnership with the Montgomery Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Formed in response to rising violent crime, MACS has focused on targeted enforcement, warrant service, and firearm recovery.
In less than a year, MACS has:
- Conducted more than 3,000 traffic stops
- Served 955 arrest warrants
- Made 415 arrests
- Seized 257 firearms, including 164 machine gun conversion devices
- Recovered 65 stolen vehicles
The task force has also enhanced real-time communication among agencies, enabling faster prosecutions and more informed strategic deployments.
Legislative Progress
Panelists applauded recent crime-related legislation championed through Governor Ivey’s "Safe Alabama" and "Back the Blue" packages. Key wins included:
- The Speedy Trial Act enables prosecutors to request additional judicial resources to expedite backlogged cases
- Expansion of the No-Bond List for serious offenses
- A ban on machine gun conversion devices, now a Class C felony for possession
- Enhanced civil immunity for law enforcement in justified use-of-force cases
Due to its proven effectiveness, additional funding has been secured to sustain MACS operations in Montgomery and explore statewide expansion. The Legislature has now invested in transforming this initiative into a deployable, statewide unit capable of targeting crime at its source in any Alabama community.
High-Tech Meets Old-School Policing
MACS and local departments are blending traditional enforcement with emerging tools. Real-time crime centers, license plate readers, and aviation support have become force multipliers, helping law enforcement coordinate more effectively and proactively intercept crime. Despite recent reductions, the Sheriff’s Office and MPD emphasized that property crime, particularly theft and shoplifting, remains the number one issue impacting our community. They are intensifying enforcement efforts to aggressively address the problem, which business leaders say continues to threaten profitability and employee safety.
Youth Engagement and Prevention
Panelists emphasized the importance of engaging youth earlier. District Attorney Oliver urged expanding outreach before fifth grade, where interventions are often too late. Sheriff Cunningham and Chief Graboys highlighted school-based programs, such as the Junior Police Academy, and direct communication tools for students to report concerns. The goal: build trust early and deter future criminal behavior.
Mental Health & De-escalation
All departments have ramped up Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, equipping both patrol and corrections staff to manage individuals in mental health crisis. From revised academy curriculum to expanded correctional officer training, this approach is reducing risk and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Community Feedback and Engagement
Panelists stressed that trust and collaboration from residents are essential. Community policing efforts — including door-to-door engagement, neighborhood watches, and walking patrols — are rebuilding public confidence. Law enforcement leaders also noted that small acts, such as maintaining positive officer visibility or responding quickly to resident tips, reinforce those connections. Officers further encouraged residents to use video evidence, social media posts, and report concerns through 311, email, or direct calls to their offices — tools that help build stronger cases and better target enforcement.
The Montgomery Area Chamber will continue to convene critical conversations that support a safer, stronger Capital Region, recognizing that public safety, economic development, and quality of life are deeply interconnected.
Watch the event: https://youtu.be/PPzU_iDNC0E Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCh1bo
ABOUT THE MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
With a mission to drive economic prosperity and build a greater life for all in the capital region, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce is a full-spectrum economic development public/private partnership representing 1,400 businesses and organizations with over 90,000 employees throughout Central Alabama. To learn more about the Chamber’s initiatives and regional collaboration efforts, visit www.montgomerychamber.com
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Media Contact:
Greta Locke | Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
334.240.9424 (o)| glocke@montgomerychamber.com
