Patrick Smith, a veteran administrator in the Los Angeles Police Department and a native of Tuscaloosa, is Birmingham’s new police chief. Mayor Randall Woodfin made the announcement today.
Smith replaces A.C. Roper who retired in February.
Smith says he is dedicated to building strong relationships in the community. In his initial remarks, Smith addressed concerns in the community and in the police department he will lead.
“During the course of this process, I’ve listened to your words. I’ve read your comments. I’ve read the stories, and I know what you are looking for in your chief of police,” he says. “ I want to make sure that I’m here to deliver.”
Smith says he will support police officers and will also need their support.
“We have a lot of hard work to do, and I don’t want you to take it lightly,” he says.
Homicides and some violent crimes have increased in Birmingham in recent months. Residents and city leaders have said they want that trend to end. The mayor has said he wants police to be more visible in the communities.
In addition to naming a police chief, Woodfin announced that Captain Allen Treadaway is being promoted to assistant chief. Treadaway leads the city’s East Police Precinct. He is also a state legislator.
Smith’s first day on the job as police chief is June 18.