In recent months, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed has flip-flopped on answering how many officers are currently staffed at the Montgomery Police Department (MPD) as criticisms continue over police staffing and crime in the city.
The situation at MPD has been tumultuous in recent months. The MPD has been understaffed for some time, a national trend. However, with the recent wave of violent crime in the city, many are looking deeper at the issues related to the city's crime management.
On Tuesday, Reed held a press conference to introduce the city's new interim police chief, James (Jim) Graboys. Graboys is taking over for interim Chief John Hall, who took over after then-Chief Darryl Albert resigned after being placed on leave amid a sexual misconduct investigation. Reed also announced that Lawrence L. Battiste will serve as special public safety advisor in the new cabinet position.
During the press conference, 1819 News asked Reed what the current number of officers in MPD was and how far away that number was from what leadership would consider fully staffed. Reed declined to give a specific number, admitting that the numbers are undesirable.
"I've said this before: I don't think it's good practice for us to release numbers," Reed said. "Here's what I'll tell you: we're not where we want to be. So I can assure you that in our conversations with Director, Chief Battiste, as well as Chief Grayboys, recruitment and retainment is one of the top issues that we discussed."
Reed gave a similar answer during a radio interview on Talk 93.1's "News and Views" with Joey Clark earlier this month. In the interview, Reed said he didn't want to give specific force levels but noted that it was "nowhere near" Clark's 490-500 figure.
"I'll tell you, and I don't like getting into numbers because I don't like telling the bad guys where we are and how many we have. I've never liked that. I never thought that was appropriate for people to say in open council meetings, period," he explained.
Reed only then elaborated that MPD was staffed "south of 325" but north of the 220 number, which has been rumored by some.
However, Reed seemingly violated his policy on April 19, when he gave a press conference after former Chief Albert's resignation. During the briefing, Reed stated that the MPD was staffed with "right around 293 officers."
Reed's comments on police staffing begin at the 13:18 mark in the video below.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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