Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit announced to combat Montgomery crime
State and local leaders have announced the formation of the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit, or MACS, to help combat crime in Montgomery.
The announcement was made at a news conference in the Old House Chamber at the Alabama Capitol this morning. Action 8 News had live coverage of the announcement, which was made by ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor, Attorney General Steve Marshall, Montgomery County Sheriff Derrick Cunningham and Interim Montgomery Police Chief James Graboys.
Marshall said it is unusual for state-level officials to become involved in local crime issues, but he said they heard from frustrated citizens of Montgomery who wanted something done. He credited Taylor and Cunningham for creating this task force.
The idea is for state and local law enforcement agencies to work together doing traditional police work in making arrests.
Taylor said the citizens of Montgomery should be able to come out of their homes without worrying about threats.
Graboys said the various agencies are united as law enforcement. In Montgomery, participation includes the city’s SWAT and Gang Suppression Unit.
MACS was formed June 24, and after several days of training in working together, officials say there have already been positive results.
Graboys said after 12 days in operation, MACS produced 413 traffic stops, 49 arrests, 195 arrest warrants, five vehicles recovered and 33 guns seized, four of which had machine-gun type “switches.”
Cunningham said those results should send a message to those people who want to disrupt the community.
“If we haven’t gotten you yet, we will,” he said. Cunningham said they have all heard the complaints.
More work will be needed. Police have told Action 8 News of two shootings that happened yesterday. A woman was shot on Eastdale Road South and later died, while two 16-year-old boys were shot on Hilldale Drive, with one of them dying.
