Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin on Tuesday named interim police chief Michael Pickett as the city’s new police chief.
A City statement declared, "Mayor Randall L. Woodfin has appointed Interim Police Chief Michael Pickett to Chief of the Birmingham Police Department. The 20-year veteran has served in the interim role since Chief Scott Thurmond's retirement on November 29, 2024. Chief Pickett’s appointment is effective immediately."
“I want to thank Mayor Woodfin for his confidence in me and support for the Birmingham Police Department,” Pickett said.
Pickett's promotion comes as the police department faces increasing scrutiny for its staffing shortage and morale crisis. In mid-February, multiple Birmingham Police officers defied the reported Woodfin ban on officers speaking out against the current circumstances. The ABC 33/40 report included an interview with an officer concerned that the public wasn't getting the truth. That officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, had a dire warning.
"Read between the lines; it's definitely not safe in Birmingham," one officer said. His statement confirms horrific statistics outlined in the "Birmingham Crime Commission Report," which said, “As of 2024, the department operates at only 73% strength for sworn officers, with 617 positions filled and 233 vacancies. Civilian staffing fares slightly better at 80%, but vacancies still hinder operational efficiency. To address these shortages, the department has set ambitious goals to expand its workforce to 1,000 sworn officers and 271 civilian staff."
"Achieving these numbers is crucial, not only to enhance community policing and reduce response times but also to expand specialized units that address complex crimes," it added.
RELATED: Report shows staggering lack of resources and support for Birmingham Police Department
According to the city's release, "A Birmingham native, Chief Pickett is a graduate of Ramsay High School and Miles College. His first assignment with the Birmingham Police Department was as a patrol officer in the West Precinct. His career has included undercover work, oversight of safety and security of major events such as The World Games, and serving as Deputy Chief of Special Operations, where he successfully implemented Operation Knight Rider to respond to illegal and dangerous exhibition driving in the city. As interim chief, Pickett has been committed to enhancing ongoing partnerships with Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway, as well as federal and state law enforcement agencies."
Apryl Marie Fogel is a Birmingham resident who frequently appears on and guest hosts radio programs around the state. She can be reached at [email protected] or on X at @aprylmarie.
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