MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A bill that would allow the state to assume oversight of certain local police departments drew pushback during a public hearing this week in the Senate County and Municipal Government Committee.
Senate Bill 298, sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, would require Alabama’s Class 3 municipalities, currently Montgomery and Huntsville, to maintain at least two full-time police officers per 1,000 residents within five years.
If a city fails to meet that benchmark, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency could step in and assume operational oversight of the department until staffing levels are restored.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed told lawmakers the proposal is unnecessary and represents an overreach into local control.
“Part of this is the core argument of where is the role of local government and what’s the role of state government,” Reed said. “And I think for us, allowing the state to override local officials is a bridge too far.”
Montgomery Police Chief James Graboys said the department’s recruiting efforts are improving and questioned whether state intervention is warranted.
“Literally, I have 23 people waiting to go into our academy,” Graboys said. “I’ve got eight lateral post certified individuals waiting to start and 23 in the hiring process. Our numbers are rising and they’re going to be in a good place.”
Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, whose district covers roughly three-quarters of the city, said he was not approached about the proposal until days before the public hearing. He also said none of his constituents had expressed interest in state oversight of the city’s police department.
“This is a concern for me, obviously, as a member of this community,” Hatcher said. “It can only be viewed this way as a weaponization to some extent of a legislative body.”
Barfoot defended the bill, saying it is intended to provide accountability and support to cities struggling with staffing shortages.
“Montgomery has had a problem like other municipalities throughout the state and quite frankly throughout the nation of fully staffing their police departments,” Barfoot said. “This is a bill that enables the state of Alabama to come in alongside the city of Montgomery if the city can’t meet certain standards.”
Supporters also included the Attorney General’s Office. Chief Counsel Katherine Robertson told lawmakers the state often receives complaints related to crime and public safety and is frequently asked to address local concerns.
“You do need to know that the state hears a lot when these kinds of questions come into play,” Robertson said. “They look to the AG’s office to be the answer to a lot of local problems.”
No vote was taken following the public hearing. The measure is expected to return to the committee next week for possible action.
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