Montgomery mayor outlines 2025 crime statistics, progress made in city

Photo from the City of Montgomery

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed has outlined crime statistics in the city in 2025 and the overall progress he says the city is making in many areas.

While the city recorded 61 homicides in 2025, the same as in 2024, and suffered a mass shooting that left two people dead and 12 others injured downtown, Reed says overall, there was a significant reduction in overall crime.

“Sixty-one lives lost is not a win,” Mayor Reed said. “Every life is sacred, and one life lost is one too many. We must remain honest about where we are, committed to where we must improve, and intentional about choosing peace over violence.”

According to Montgomery Police Department data finalized on December 30, 2025:

• Violent crime decreased by more than 25%
• Non-violent crime declined by more than 12%
• Overall crime fell nearly 15% citywide
• Non-fatal shootings dropped nearly 14%
• More than 2,100 firearms were seized, including 26 machine-gun conversion devices
• Hundreds of seized firearms were potentially linked to other crimes

Reed says he credits the progress to coordinated law-enforcement efforts, community partners and residents working daily to reduce violence across Montgomery.

“This progress does not happen by accident,” Reed said. “It happens because of strong partnerships, accountability, and people choosing something better—even when it’s harder.”

Mayor Reed thanked the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and federal partners including the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and ATF for their continued collaboration with Montgomery police officers.

Recruitment and Retention Incentives Announced

Mayor Reed also announced that the Montgomery Police Department will soon implement recruitment and retention incentive programs, pending final administrative details.

Current sworn officers will be eligible for up to $10,000 per year for up to three years, as funding remains available, paid quarterly. New recruits will be eligible for up to $10,000 in their first year, with the first $2,500 paid after successful completion of the police academy.

After their first year, new officers will become eligible for retention incentives. Officers must enroll quarterly to receive bonus payments.

In 2025, nearly 1,000 individuals expressed interest in becoming Montgomery police officers, signaling strong interest in public service and confidence in the department.

“Policing is demanding work, and the standards are high because the responsibility is real,” Reed said. “These incentives help us recruit qualified officers and retain the dedicated professionals already serving our city.”

Residents interested in law-enforcement careers are encouraged to visit joinmgmblue.com for more information.

Accountability and Public Safety

Mayor Reed also addressed concerns raised by officers and law-enforcement leadership regarding repeat violent offenders being released shortly after arrest.

“That cycle puts officers and neighborhoods at risk,” Reed said. “Expanding Aniah’s Law would give judges and prosecutors additional tools to keep violent offenders off the street while cases move through the justice system.”

City Progress and Looking Ahead

Beyond public safety, Mayor Reed highlighted progress under Envision Montgomery 2040, noting that 79.5 percent of the plan’s 120 strategic actions are completed or actively underway.

Recent and ongoing efforts include:

• Modernizing zoning to support housing choice and mixed-use development
• Aligning police and fire services under a unified public-safety mission
• Expanding opportunities for minority-owned developers and small businesses
• Securing major investments in transit, sidewalks, trails, and green space
• Integrating health and quality-of-life considerations into infrastructure projects

Looking ahead to 2026, the City will focus on climate resilience, protecting natural resources such as Cypress Creek, and advancing smart, sustainable growth.

More information is available at envisionmontgomery2040.org.

Mayor Reed also invited residents to attend the 2026 State of the City Address in February at Frazer Church, where he will outline priorities for the year ahead.

— Information from the City of Montgomery