BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- The Birmingham Police Department is joining forces with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office from Tuesday through Dec. 31.
“Operation Close Out” is a public safety campaign whose aim is to keep residents safe through the holidays. While the police department has conducted the operation in years past, it is the first time it has joined forces with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
“Our crime centers will be combined working together sharing information making sure that all of our streets are safe,” said Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway. “We’re looking to work together, share information and to make sure that we have a zero tolerance for any criminal activity that will be taking place during the holiday season.”
Birmingham Interim Police Chief Michael Pickett said 50 law enforcement officers will be assigned to work this detail, cracking down on violent as well as property crimes through the end of the year.
The Birmingham Police Department has investigated 134 homicides in 2024 versus 126 for all of 2023.
“We will look at our data, we’ll look at where the calls for services are going," Pickett said. "Of course, we already know where some of the peak opportunist areas are for criminals like shopping centers, things of that nature, so we’ll be focusing in on those locations."
Pickett said they’ll be able to redeploy resources as needed and the public will notice an increase police presence. Residents are encouraged to report any criminal activity they observe to the BPD at 205-328-9311 and emergencies to 911.