A bill allowing state officials to appoint leaders for local police departments was expected to be approved, according to the sponsor of the bill. It will appear in the House County and Municipal Government Committee today.
HB 14 would allow the governor or attorney general to appoint a police chief if they determine there is an ongoing public safety risk. The appointee would not be subject to local oversight.
The bill says state officials can appoint an interim police chief if the state officials review local crime statistics, find the number of police officers is at least 30% less than the average numbers of law enforcement officers employed by that department in the previous 10 years, and consult with district attorneys and sheriffs.
Notably, the interim police chief would serve under the appointing authority — not the authority of the mayor, city council or other municipal official.
The interim chief would serve until the attorney general or governor determines the public safety threat no longer exists.
Montgomery and Birmingham have struggled to maintain staffing targets, according to reporting from the Alabama Reflector.
The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Pike Road), said an amendment would be introduced modifying the legislation to require that both the governor and attorney general jointly agree to appoint an interim police chief.
The move comes after Alabama Republicans and Gov. Kay Ivey said public safety was a top issue for this year’s legislation.
Members of delegations representing both Montgomery and Birmingham do not support the measure, one Montgomery Democrat calling the legislation “government overreach.”
One Birmingham legislator said police departments need more revenue for salaries — not outside management.
Some departments see staffing issues because in many cases potential officers must be hired by a police department before they’re allowed to attend the police academy.
