BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Birmingham law enforcement, faith leaders, and Alabama house representatives gathered to talk about crime and how to address it at the "Let's Talk about Crime" forum Thursday.
The topics, at the forum included the need for a ban on Glock switches, ending no snitch culture in communities and the resources and programs available to address crime.
"I'm hoping that this is energized into action, and we see some change in our community, in our streets," said Co-founder of Black Lives Matter Birmingham, Eric Hall.
Hall said the conversations at Thursday night's forum was a discussion he felt the need to be a part of. Adding his own thoughts to the conversation, suggesting restorative justice programs as one way to address the issue of violent crime.
"We know that we have an issue with retaliatory crime but if the church and the faith leader can facilitate a conversation about healing the broken family. I think that that would be very instrumental in reducing the number of homicides we see in our city." said Hall.
With topics ranging from the need to ban Glock switches, resources and programs for youth and second chance offenders and ending the no snitch culture, it came down to the voices of faith leaders that say they are working to make that change.
"The church has been a haven, a place where you can go and receive everything you need if you are in need so we're here we want to be helpful and we're so glad that state legislatures and local leaders called us and invited us so now the ball is in our court." said Ward Chapel AME Church Pastor, Richard Davis.
Pastor Davis said he along with other church leaders are already going into their communities, talking to people and hearing their needs and assisting them.
Alabama House Representative Juandalynn Givan, who organized Thursday's forum said she pre-filed a bill this the 2025 Legislative Session, that intends to ban Glock switches in Birmingham.