On Friday, Attorney General Steve Marshall applauded the successful effort of a newly formed, multi-agency task force to address Montgomery's ever-escalating crime issue.
The Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit (MACS) began operating on June 24. MACS was rolled out before the public last month as a joint effort by Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Secretary Hal Taylor, Marshall, Montgomery County Sheriff Derrick Cunningham, and interim Montgomery Police Chief James Graboys. The task force involves collaborative efforts from multiple state and local law enforcement agencies to crack down on crime in a city plagued by a chronically understaffed police department.
The initiative assists the City with quelling rampant crime, which has drawn criticism from national outlets, local residents and state lawmakers.
In recent months, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed has come under intense scrutiny from across the state for his perceived failures in addressing crime in the capital city, often accusing him of having disproportionate priorities. Reed came heavily under the microscope after an innocent woman, Amy Dicks, was caught in a shootout on Atlanta Highway, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down.
SEE ALSO: Montgomery Mayor Reed inconsistent with answers on police department staffing numbers
Less than two weeks after its inception, the task force boasted 413 traffic stops, 49 arrests, and 195 arrest warrants, recovered five stolen vehicles, and seized 33 guns.
On Friday, Marshall further boasted of MACS's accomplishments, displaying illegal merchandise seized by the task force in a 24-hour period.
At the MACS announcement, Marshall contradicted Reed's claims that MACS resulted from the mayor contacting ALEA and other agencies for assistance. Marshall clarified in no uncertain terms that "this effort did not begin as a result of a phone call from city officials or even from the local police department."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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