Ivey hears crime fighting efforts, violence prevention at schools in MACS update

Gov. Kay Ivey received an update report from several law enforcement leaders, including the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit on their crime fighting measures and the potential prevention of violence at schools. 

Present at an update meeting was Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Secretary Hal Taylor, State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Director Christopher Inabinett, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Paul Hayes, who oversees MACS Unit, and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Billy Fulmer overseeing ALEA SWAT. 

“Public safety remains a top priority for the Ivey Administration, and that begins and ends with our Capital City," said Ivey in a recent statement. "More work remains, and this will certainly be a continued focus throughout the remainder of my term."

"The MACS Unit is absolutely necessary to have operating here in Montgomery and certainly a reason for positive trends. Again, our work to ensure public safety in Montgomery and around the entire state continues, and I thank the men and women serving on the frontlines in law enforcement for their service and sacrifice.”

A report was delivered for the unit's activities since June 2024, saying that there were 6,000 traffic stops, almost 1,400 arrest warrants, 697 arrests (43 of which were juveniles), 555 firearms seized along with 179 illegal machine gun conversion devices, 92 stolen vehicles recovered and more than 200 drug-related seizures.

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The report included two incidents that took place on or near schools where guns were recovered and potentially prevented violence. 

The first was on April 16 near Oak Street and West Fairview Avenue where MACS officers reportedly found a group of juveniles in the tunnel leading to Carver High School. One had an AR-style pistol and another had approximately 30 grams of marijuana and THC-infused gummies.

On April 22 an individual was arrested for making a threat against Bellingrath Middle School. According to the report the suspect was located near the school by MACS officers and found to have a handgun inside of their vehicle. 

The suspect had a previous conviction for assault in the second degree and was forbidden from owning firearms. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is pursuing federal charges.