Alabama Republicans Push State Control Over Montgomery Police

Proposed bill would allow state to seize control of majority-Black city's police force, drawing criticism from local leaders

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:09am

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A photorealistic painting of a solitary police car parked on a dimly lit urban street, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the pavement, capturing the somber, nostalgic mood of the political conflict over local control.As tensions escalate over state control of local police forces, a lone patrol car sits idle on a quiet Montgomery street, reflecting the complex power dynamics at play.Montgomery Today

Republican state lawmakers in Alabama have proposed a bill that would allow the state to take control of the police department in Montgomery, the state capital and a majority-Black city led by Democrats. Supporters say the measure is needed to address public safety concerns, while opponents call it a 'power grab' that undermines local democracy.

Why it matters

This is the latest example of Republican-controlled state governments seeking to exert more control over Democratic-led cities, often with significant Black populations. Critics say these efforts undermine local governance and perpetuate racist stereotypes about urban crime.

The details

The Republican-sponsored bill would give the state the ability to seize control of the Montgomery Police Department if the city fails to maintain a certain number of officers per resident within five years. Montgomery leaders say the bill unfairly targets their city and that they were not consulted before it was introduced.

  • In late March, Black faith leaders protested the bill on the steps of the Alabama State House.
  • The next day, the Republican-controlled Alabama Senate approved the bill without allowing debate from Democratic lawmakers.
  • The measure now awaits a vote in the Alabama House of Representatives.

The players

Richard Williams

Lead pastor of Metropolitan United Methodist Church in Montgomery, who called the bill a 'power grab' aimed at removing elected Black officials' control over the police department.

Will Barfoot

Republican Alabama state senator who represents a portion of Montgomery and introduced the bill, citing concerns over crime and police staffing levels in the city.

Steven Reed

Mayor of Montgomery, a Democrat who was not consulted before the bill was introduced.

Kirk Hatcher

Black Democratic state senator who represents a larger portion of Montgomery and criticized his Republican colleagues for the bill.

Montgomery Police Department

The police force that would come under state control if the bill is enacted.

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What they’re saying

“We've seen this before. This is nothing new. This bill empowers the state to remove elected Black officials from their operational control of the Montgomery Police Department.”

— Richard Williams, Lead pastor, Metropolitan United Methodist Church

“It's frustrating for the citizens of Montgomery whenever they're the victims (of crime) and their neighbors are victims. You know that at the very least that it's partially because Montgomery doesn't have the law enforcement officers that they need.”

— Will Barfoot, Alabama state senator

“What I've come to believe is that when everybody around you has everything they need, that's the safest we will be. When people have health care, when people have food, SNAP benefits, that's the safest we'll be.”

— Kirk Hatcher, Alabama state senator

What’s next

The bill now heads to the Alabama House of Representatives for a vote. If passed, the state would have the ability to take control of the Montgomery Police Department if the city fails to meet certain staffing requirements within five years.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation is the latest example of Republican-controlled state governments seeking to exert more control over Democratic-led cities, often with significant Black populations. Critics argue these efforts undermine local democracy and perpetuate racist stereotypes about urban crime.