In a Friday update on the new Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit (MACS), designed to address escalating crime in the capital city, state and local law enforcement officials boasted of the unit's success in impacting crime in the area.
MACS hit the ground running on June 24. 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.
"This mission of our partnership is simple—to make Montgomery a safer place to live and work," said Marshall. "Citizens living in high crime areas need to see a responsive and robust law enforcement presence and that's what we aim to give them. The criminal element in Montgomery will soon realize that we aren't playing around."
On Friday, the Unit updated the public on its success, boasting of numerous drug, firearms, theft and murder arrests.
Since its inception, MACS has conducted 1,300 traffic stops and served 347 outstanding arrest warrants, ranging from failure to appear for traffic offenses to capital murder. It has arrested 127 individuals, recovered 16 stolen vehicles and seized 83 firearms. Seventeen of those firearms contained machine gun conversion devices, commonly called "switches." Additionally, MACS made 30 drug seizures, including one significant seizure of Fentanyl in August that was enough to kill over 5,000 individuals.
"The team's efforts have resulted in a thousand traffic stops, numerous arrests, significant seizures, and all their actions have demonstrated the Unit's effectiveness in combating crime and enhancing public safety," said ALEA's Taylor. "The dedication, service and perseverance of the officers from all our partner agencies is truly commendable. I would like to thank all of our local, state and federal partners, as well as Governor Ivey and the Alabama Legislature for their support and the resources we are able to provide as a state agency. Together, we are making a difference and will continue to actively work to protect the citizens and visitors of Montgomery and the surrounding areas."
In addition to the joint effort of MACS to reduce violent crime, ALEA's Highway Patrol, Capitol Patrol and Motor Enforcement Unit have developed high-visibility details to assist the Montgomery Police Department with traffic enforcement and crash investigations within the city limits, specifically on Interstates 65 and 85.
"The MACS Unit has demonstrated the need for more proactive law enforcement in our community," said Montgomery County assistant chief deputy Wesley Richerson. "Their efforts are commendable, and the results speak for themselves. We want to thank the men and women of the MACS Unit for their professionalism and tenacity in targeting and apprehending violent offenders in Montgomery County. Sheriff Cunningham and the entire staff of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office are committed to this multi-jurisdictional partnership."
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