MPD chief announces increased patrols during holidays, calls for end to gun loophole

Montgomery Police Department (MPD) Chief James Graboys held a press conference on Tuesday where he reported updates on public safety and announced an increase presence of officers for the holiday season before criticizing a gun carrying loophole. 

Graboys said that patrols will be increase in and around shopping centers in particular throughout the city during the Thanksgiving holiday, and that the department is organizing security details for events such as the Turkey Day parade in partnership with Alabama State University. 

He went on to address a policy that he said affects gun violence "in a significant way" that is covered under the state constitution. 

"Under the current constitutional carry law, individuals are not required to carry legal identification when concealing a weapon," he said. "This creates a dangerous loophole. It prevents officers from being able to legally verify who is lawfully carrying a firearm." 

"This loophole prevents officers from being able to fully use the person's forbidden database in a proactive way to hold violators accountable. It puts the public at risk. It puts officers at risk." 

He clarified that he support gun ownership but urged citizens to contact legislators and judges to ask them about what is being done for public safety. 

"Because when it comes time to vote, the people in this state and in this community need to vote like lives depend on it... because they do," he said.