What Do Law Enforcement Agencies Want From The State?
With inauguration day wrapping up, means a new term for Governor Bentley and maybe some new plans for local authorities — at least that’s what law enforcement leaders are hoping for, so we asked them what they want from the state. Governor Robert Bentley is back for another four years. While he’s a familiar face, there are several new sheriffs and a new police chief in the River Region and they’re asking for help from the state. Montgomery County Sheriff, Derrick Cunningham, says with the city’s mental illness facility now gone, he wants the state to help care for those who need help. “We’re dealing with our mental illness people being probated and committed every day so we’ve got to continue to work with the state,” Said Cunningham. New Montgomery Police Chief, Ernest Finley, says “working with the state” means… “It’s important to have partnerships. That’s why it’s important to have those memorandum of understanding those working relationships and in a time of need for resources it’s okay,” Said Finley. Autauga County Sheriff, Joe Sedinger, says his agency needs more funding. He says they need six more deputies this year. “We need personnel. Sometimes, where you have to get them is through grants so we’ve applied for several grants, but we haven’t been able to get them,” Said Sedinger. Some agencies say they’ll take whatever they can from the state. “I’m going to be reaching out to everybody and if somebody hears me please, whatever you can do to help this community, please — I’m willing to talk to you. Whatever is best for the people,” Said new Macon County Sheriff, Andre Brunson. Aside from what agencies want from the state, they’ll have to work with the state’s largest policing organization: The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, also known as ALEA. “I kind of like it you know I think it made that unit a little stronger,” Said Brunson. However, some officials still have questions. “I don’t know yet how their structure is exactly going to be. I’m hoping they’ll put some more TROOPERS on the road we need them, too,” Said Sedinger. No matter what lies ahead with ALEA, many agree: communication is key. “It’s about building and continuing to build and making sure we have that communication to meet on a regular basis which those are the plans,” Said Finley. “We’re fighting for the same cause you know and that’s providing safety for our citizens,” Said Cunningham. There are a total of 12 state law enforcement agencies with ALEA. Overall all the law enforcement officials I spoke with say they’re looking forward to working together.
