BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- The Birmingham Police Department reported success with their "Operation Crackdown" initiative on New Year's Eve.
On New Year's Eve, BPD deployed nearly 80 additional officers to ensure safety in the Birmingham community. This included officers from BPD, deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and state troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
BPD said that Birmingham's 911 dispatchers reported a 64% reduction in calls related to shots fired due to officers being present in neighborhoods and ready to address incidents promptly.
Several major nightclubs and bars in the Birmingham area coordinated with the BPD to ensure safety. Safety measures included closing the establishments before 2 a.m. and keeping BPD officers present as crowds dispersed.
Detectives with the Business Compliance Unit and Special Enforcement Division conducted raids on two illegally operating night clubs. These raids resulted in two arrests -- one for felony drug charges, and one for possession of a firearm by a felon. BPD made five arrests in total, including charges for felony drug offenses, possession of a firearm by a felon, two counts of disorderly conduct and attempting to elude law enforcement.
BPD also seized 11 firearms during the operation for activities such as discharging a firearm within city limits, altering firearm serial numbers and felony assault.
The "Operation Knight Rider" component of "Operation Crackdown" resulted in zero reports of exhibition driving.