The Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit is boasting of increased efficacy in cracking down on crime in the Montgomery area, including nearly 700 arrest warrants for an array of crimes and seizing dozens of stolen cars, illegal guns and machine gun conversion devices.
The MACS Unit began operating in June 2024. It was touted as a joint effort by Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) secretary Hal Taylor, Attorney General Steve 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 efforts of MACS are truly commendable, and the results speak for themselves,” ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation director Chris Inabinett said. “Today, we not only stand in unity with our fellow law enforcement officers, but also the prosecutors who work to ensure that justice is served by holding the criminals accountable involved in these cases.”
Since June of last year, MACS has conducted 100 details. During these details, officers executed 2,300 traffic stops and served 674 outstanding arrest warrants, ranging from failure to appear for traffic offenses to capital murder. The unit also arrested 266 individuals on various charges, recovered 51 stolen vehicles, seized 195 firearms, and 103 machine gun conversion devices, known as “switches.”
In collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the unit has also tied together various crime scenes that involve firearms utilizing the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network.
“I am extremely grateful for the partnership that helped create MACS, however, as law enforcement officers our work is never done,” Taylor said. “Clearly, today marks a milestone for the Unit, however, we believe this is just the beginning for units similar to this one. With the continued support from Governor Ivey and the Alabama Legislature, we can provide the same level of public safety and crime prevention across the entire state.”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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