Steven Reed appoints interim chief of Montgomery Police Department, public safety advisor

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed recently announced the appointment of a new interim chief for the city's police department during a press conference held on Tuesday, June 25. 

James Graboys takes over the role from acting chief John W. Hall. The appointment comes some time after the resignation of Darryl Albert in April. He left the department after allegations of discrimination against a female officer. 

"I think Chief Hall has done phenomenally well in some tough circumstances with some challenges not any fault of his own," said Reed. 

Graboys is currently a Senior Compliance Specialist with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency but served as Chief of Police at Alabama State University from 2012 to 2019. 

Prior to his stint at ASU he served in the Montgomery Police Department for 20 years. 

"I vow, I'm going to do everything within my power," Graboys said after he was introduced in the press conference. "And everything within my ability to leave no stone unturned, to marshal every resource available to go after these offenders, to go after the people who want to make you unsafe, and to create community partnerships to have us work together." 

Reed also announced the appointment of Lawrence L. Battiste, IV as a special advisor for public safety. Battiste served as the City of Mobile’s Public Safety Director from 2021 to 2023. He was Chief of Police of the Mobile Police Department from 2017 to 2021. 

"It is indeed an honor to have the opportunity to come serve in this city, in the capacity that I've been asked to serve in" Battiste remarked. "I don't bring with me a silver bullet but what I do bring with me is the wisdom and the understanding of knowing that the men and women that are part of your team are your greatest assets.