Montgomery County Sheriff Derrick Cunningham recently boasted of the success of the recently formed multi-agency task force designed to reduce rampant crime in Alabama’s capital city and pushed for a statewide ban on Glock switches.
Many have pointed to the swift success of the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit (MACS), which began operating on June 24 as a scaffolding to address similar crime issues in cities in Alabama.
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.
In his recent quarterly publication, Cunningham gave examples of MACS's quick success while reiterating the continued work needed in the area.
“I am pleased to announce the MACS has seen initial success, however there is still much to be done to continue driving violent and property crime down as much as possible,” Cunningham wrote.
“Since MACS inception on June 24, 2024, the unit has conducted 1,300 traffic stops, served 347 outstanding arrest warrants, which range from failure to appear for traffic offenses to capital murder, arrested 127 individuals on various charges, recovered 16 stolen vehicles, seized 83 firearms, with 17 of those having machine gun conversion devices, commonly known as 'switches.' Additionally, MACS made 30 drug seizures, including one significant seizure of Fentanyl on Thursday, August 15th. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) website, the amount of Fentanyl recovered from this one seizure was enough to kill over 5,000 individuals.”
Outside of MACS, Cunningham said ALEA has also lent support for traffic enforcement, which has been scant recently due to the chronic understaffing at MPD.
Cunningham also joined the growing chorus of voices in the state calling for legislative action against so-called Glock switches.
Glock switches are small attachments affixed to the backplate of Glock handguns, allowing semi-automatic firearms to be converted into automatic. Metropolitan areas across the nation have seen a rise in the utilization of Glock switches, often being used in large-scale, indiscriminate shootings. Glock switches are currently illegal under federal law. However, many in the state have called for legislation to make them illegal under Alabama law.
State Rep. Phillip Ensler (D-Montgomery) has already pre-filled House Bill 26 (HB26), which would ban Glock switches at the state level.
SEE: State Rep. Ensler re-files Glock switch ban after failing due to gambling gridlock in 2024
“Presently, an individual who possesses a switch device may be charged under federal statute, but it is also vitally important that law enforcement in Alabama has the means to charge those who are an extreme threat to public safety with a state crime (as it quickly takes them off the streets),” Cunningham continued.
“An individual who possesses such a switch weapon that has the potential to cause massive casualties should be stopped at all costs. Presently, most federal agencies undergo an indictment process that delays a federal arrest until a grand jury convenes. Even if a local jurisdiction chooses to go with a federal gun charge, having a state charge will allow the offender to remain in detention until the case can be transferred to the federal system. It will keep our Alabama communities safe while the judicial system runs its course.”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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