Under then-Interim Chief of Police Michael Pickett, the Birmingham Police Department (BPD) in February announced a crime reduction strategy aimed at tackling the surge in violent crime throughout the city. The plan is made up of eight components designed to reduce crime and enhance public safety.
As of July 6, Birmingham had 37 homicides. This time last year, the city had 84 homicides. The homicide decrease comes after Birmingham ended 2024 with 151 homicides, the highest number of killings in the city in more than nine decades.
Pickett, a 21-year BPD veteran, credited the drop in violent crime to a focused strategy, relentless teamwork, and growing trust between law enforcement and residents.
He had served as interim police chief since the Nov. 29, 2024, retirement of Chief Scott Thurmond, and was named permanent chief on March 31, 2025…