In a concerted effort to combat crime throughout Montgomery and surrounding areas, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), in collaboration with the Alabama Attorney General's Office, the Montgomery Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF), has established the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit, known as MACS.
“We are proud to announce the launch of MACS and look forward to its positive impact for the citizens and visitors of Montgomery. MACS is yet another example of local, state and federal agencies working together to proactively combat crime. This effort will not only enhance public safety in the capital city but will help ALEA further its overall mission of making our state a safer place to live,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “Additionally, I would like to sincerely thank Governor Kay Ivey for her unwavering support of all law enforcement and continued commitment to prevent crime in Alabama. With the combined support of Governor Ivey and the Alabama Legislature, we are able to provide exceptional consolidated law enforcement services in order to assist and enhance initiatives such as MACS.”
MACS was created to confront and reduce violent crimes through sustained, proactive and coordinated investigations. Officers with the MACS Unit seek to obtain prosecutions for violations such as organized crime, drug conspiracy, robbery, motor vehicle theft and firearms violations. MACS further expands cooperation and communication among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies through the existing infrastructure of the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force (ADETF).
Attorney General Steve Marshall stated, “As Alabamians, we have no tolerance for violent crime and our capital city should reflect that mantra. This coalition is a strong statement that Alabama’s law enforcement agencies are united and that, with strong leadership and clarity of purpose, it is absolutely possible to stem the rising tide of crime. I look forward to many more successes for my friends and neighbors in Montgomery.”
The Unit convened on June 24, 2024, for several days of training. After training, the MACS Unit operated 12 days, conducting 413 traffic stops, arresting 49 individuals on various charges, served 195 arrest warrants, recovered five stolen vehicles and seized 33 firearms, with four of those having machine gun conversion devices, commonly known as “switches.”
Montgomery Interim Chief of Police James Graboys said, “As we continue to support and applaud the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit, let us also remember the importance of community involvement and cooperation in creating a safer environment for everyone. Together, we can make a difference and build a brighter future for our city.”
