On Monday, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed held a press conference to inform the public on the progress made in Montgomery during the first half of the year.
According to Mayor Reed, violent crime, nonviolent crime, homicides, non-fatal shootings, and robberies all decreased year-over-year. He shared the following data:
- Violent crime down 28.3%
- Nonviolent crime down 13.3%
- Homicides are down 12.5%
- Non-fatal shootings down 22.5%
- Robberies down 41%
He also explained the steps the city had taken to help reduce crime. “We increased patrols. We restructured staffing to focus on high-need areas,” he said.
He also pointed to technology upgrades like cameras, drones, Starwatch, facial recognition, and stronger communication with faith and grassroots leaders, as well as the graduation of nine new police officers last week. The mayor highlighted the police department’s 60% case closure rate, calling it higher than the national average.
He also expressed frustration over repeat violent offenders being released on bond. “Too often, we’re seeing the same violent repeat offenders out on bond and arrested again and again, just days later,” Reed said. “We really have to draw a line in the sand at what type of community we want to have.”
“We know that real progress isn’t just about data points. It’s about people. It’s about their families. It’s about their neighbors. It’s about their church members and how they feel even when going to work,” Reed concluded.
While he called on residents to stay focused and united in creating a safer Montgomery, many residents on social media were less than convinced.
When WSFA 12 News shared the mayor’s remarks on Facebook, hundreds of comments poured in, many of them questioned the numbers, while others responded with sarcasm, disbelief — and humor:
“He must be smoking what I smell all over town?”
“What a joke! He must be reporting for another city… not Montgomery.”
“When you label every homicide a death investigation then yes maybe it is”
“He also reports that Santa is real and Bigfoot lives in Wynlakes.”
“So, he doesn’t live in Montgomery…”
“Amazing what happens when 911 doesn’t answer the phone.”
“Is he related to the Mayor of Chicago? Sounds exactly like what he’s trying to sell…”
“He must not have been downtown the night of the 4th. It was like Beirut.”
“And I’m a millionaire.”
“AND… Crime in Chicago is down too.”
“Take a trip through Exit 3 around 8 p.m., you’ll know what Montgomery is.”
Whether you believe the mayor’s numbers or the comments section, one thing’s clear: Montgomery residents are interested in the safety of their city — and not shy about saying so.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
