After weeks of speculation, Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper is stepping down. Mayor Randall Woodfin confirmed today that Roper did not reapply for his position.
“After a considerable amount of prayer, my family and I decided I would not submit a resume for consideration,” Roper said in a prepared statement. “I advised Mayor Woodfin on Nov. 8, that this is perfect timing since Nov. 26 would be my 10-year anniversary.”
Roper said Woodfin has asked him to stay on during the search for a new police chief. Woodfin says there will be a national search for a new police chief and local candidates also will be considered.
“Serving as Chief of Police in the amazing city of my birth has been the privilege of a lifetime,” Roper said.
Woodfin says there will also be new leadership in at least three other city departments. Human Resources Chief Peggy Polk is retiring. The directors in the Community Development and Economic Development departments will be replaced and those departments will be restructured, Woodfin says. John Colon had led Community Development four years and Lisa Cooper has led Economic Development three years.