AG Marshall boasts of a multi-agency task force to combat crime in Montgomery

On Friday, Attorney General Steve Marshall praised the successful work of a newly formed interagency task force to solve the ever-escalating crime problem in Montgomery.

The Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit (MACS) began operations on June 24. MACS was introduced to the public last month as a joint project between Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Secretary Hal Taylor, Marshall, Montgomery County Sheriff Derrick Cunningham and Montgomery Acting Police Chief James Graboys. The task force involves a joint effort by several state and local law enforcement agencies to combat crime in a city that suffers from a chronically understaffed police department.

SEE: 'We're coming to get you': State officials announce the creation of a multi-agency task force to combat escalating crime in Montgomery

The initiative is helping the city curb rampant crime, which has been criticized by national media, residents and state lawmakers.

In recent months, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed has faced harsh criticism across the state for his perceived failure to tackle crime in the capital city, often accused of setting disproportionate priorities. Reed came under particular scrutiny after an innocent woman, Amy Dicks, was involved in a shooting on Atlanta Highway and was paralyzed from the waist down.

SEE: Montgomery lawmakers oppose Mayor Reed's portrayal of the rising crime rate on unlicensed gun carrying

SEE ALSO: Mayor Reed of Montgomery gives contradictory answers about police department staffing levels

Less than two weeks after its formation, the task force had already completed 413 traffic stops, 49 arrests, 195 arrest warrants, seized five stolen vehicles and confiscated 33 weapons.

On Friday, Marshall also boasted about MACS's accomplishments and showed off illegal goods seized by the task force within 24 hours.

In the last 24 hours, the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit (MACS) has removed two handguns, over 17 grams of fentanyl, and over 17 grams of methamphetamine from the streets of Montgomery. In addition, six warrants for arrest were executed for serious crimes. Lawlessness will not be tolerated in this city. pic.twitter.com/GgujGV9AV1

– Attorney General Steve Marshall (@AGSteveMarshall) 16 August 2024

In announcing MACS, Marshall contradicted Reed's claims that MACS was the result of the mayor reaching out to ALEA and other agencies for help. Marshall made it clear that “this effort did not begin as a result of a phone call from city officials or even the local police department.”

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