Montgomery Police Report Decline in Crime to Start 2026

Department highlights growth and hiring efforts amid proposed staffing legislation

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:56am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Montgomery Police Chief James 'Jim' Graboys announced that the department has seen measurable progress in public safety efforts so far in 2026, including 131 felony arrests between January 5 and March 13. Graboys also noted that the department has recently hired new officers, with one group having just completed the police academy and another group preparing to enter. However, Graboys expressed concerns about a proposed state bill, SB 298, that would allow the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to take control of police departments in Class 3 municipalities if they do not meet staffing requirements within a set timeframe.

Why it matters

This report from the Montgomery Police Department highlights the ongoing efforts to address crime and public safety in the city. The department's progress and hiring initiatives are notable, but the proposed state legislation raises questions about the autonomy and resources available to local law enforcement agencies.

The details

According to Chief Graboys, the Montgomery Police Department has made 131 felony arrests between January 5 and March 13 of this year. The department has also recently hired new officers, with one group having just completed the police academy and another group preparing to enter. Graboys expressed concern about a proposed state bill, SB 298, that would allow the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to take control of police departments in Class 3 municipalities if they do not meet staffing requirements within a set timeframe. Graboys said the bill does not provide incentives or resources to help MPD meet the standards, and the department will continue working to grow staffing regardless of whether the bill passes.

  • Between January 5 and March 13, 2026, MPD arrested 131 people on felony charges.
  • In the last two days, officers took two robbery suspects into custody.

The players

James 'Jim' Graboys

Montgomery Police Chief who announced the department's progress and concerns about proposed legislation.

SB 298

A proposed bill in the Alabama legislature that would allow the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to assume control of police departments serving Class 3 municipalities if they do not meet staffing requirements within a set timeframe.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The men and women who work with me are tireless. The results are actually showing for themselves. We're not going to stop in any way, shape or form in doing everything we can to keep making the city safe, making the neighborhood safe, and doing what we need to put criminals in jail.”

— James 'Jim' Graboys, Montgomery Police Chief

“You could say a regulation on top of us to say, 'Hey, we have to have a certain number of officers.' Well as you can see from the press conference I just did, we have numbers. We're growing. We're growing every day, but the thing about it is this bill doesn't offer anything but basically sanctions on us if we don't meet a certain standard.”

— James 'Jim' Graboys, Montgomery Police Chief

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.