WATCH: Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed says crime is down, arrests are up

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed delivers his monthly media briefing, Tuesday, May 5, 2026 – Photo from the Office of Mayor Steven Reed

MONTGOMERY Ala. (WAKA) – Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed says crime is down and arrests are up across the city so far in 2026.

Reed announced new statistics at his monthly media briefing yesterday afternoon.

He says total crime is down more than 20% compared to this time last year, with homicides down 25%.

“These are meaningful numbers. They represent lives impacted, families spared and communities that are safer today than they were a year ago,” Mayor Reed said.

At the same time, Mayor Reed acknowledged ongoing challenges.

“We have seen more shootings this year, and that tells us something important — too many people are still choosing violence over resolution instead of choosing peace. So while we are moving in the right direction, we are not where we need to be yet.”

Mayor Reed pointed to increased enforcement and proactive policing as key drivers of progress. He announced these numbers:

Overall arrests are up nearly 50%
Felony arrests are up more than 50%
Gun-related arrests are up nearly 80%
Warrant arrests have increased significantly
More than 700 weapons have been taken off the streets this year, including firearms connected to other criminal activity. Officers have also removed dangerous devices, including machine gun conversion devices.

Mayor Reed also highlighted improvements in roadway safety.

Traffic enforcement has increased significantly
More than 1,000 additional citations have been issued compared to this time last year
Traffic collisions are down
Traffic-related fatalities have decreased by 30%

“That’s what increased visibility and consistency looks like in action,” Reed said.

Watch his entire briefing below: