Law Enforcement
New Alabama law aims to improve police interactions with people with disabilities
Some advocates said the law’s requirement of an hour-long training on working with people with “invisible” disabilities and sensory needs is a good start.
New Orleans residents are uneasy about the NOPD’s planned drone program, documents show
The Gulf States Newsroom obtained more than 350 pages of public comments concerning the NOPD’s planned drone program. Here’s what they said.
Protesters Ask Birmingham Council To ‘Defund The Police’
Protesters are asking the Birmingham City Council to defund the city's police department by reallocating $150,000 from the department's ammunition budget.
Legislative Wrap-Up: Lawmakers Consider Legalizing Yoga, Banning Gender Therapies
State lawmakers this week considered bills around yoga, guns, and gender therapy for minors.
Attorneys For Nathaniel Woods Request Emergency Stay Of Execution
An Alabama inmate scheduled to be executed today is asking federal courts to postpone his execution.
Remembering Slain Alabama Sheriff ‘Big John’ Williams
Funeral services were held today for "Big John" Williams. He was a popular sheriff allegedly killed by the son of a deputy from a neighboring county. His death has resonated nationwide.
Birmingham PD Adds High-Tech Tools To Its Crime-Fighting Arsenal
The Birmingham Police Department will soon have two new high-tech crime-fighting tools at its disposal.
UAB Police Chief Named President of National Accreditation Group
The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, or CALEA, has chosen UAB Police Chief Anthony Purcell to lead the national organization. The commission sets hundreds of standards for law enforcement agencies on everything from body cam usage to bias training.
Can Cooperation Combat Crime? Birmingham-Area Agencies Teaming up on Problem
Despite the city’s rising homicide rate and a recent rash of highly publicized violent crimes, Birmingham-area law enforcement officials say they are optimistic about the city’s long-term crime-fighting prospects, due in part to an array of government agencies working together.
Ditch the Marriage Licenses? Senate Says ‘I Do’
The Alabama Senate this week took on bills aimed at curbing racial profiling and doing away with marriage licenses.
U.S. Marshal Talks Crime, Collaboration and Change
You probably remember westerns where with U.S. Marshals ride into town and take on criminals. Well in real life in North Central Alabama, it’s U.S. Marshal Marty Keely who leads the team capturing federal criminals and works through a regional task force to fight crime.
Madison Officer Acquitted of Excessive Force Charges
A federal judge in Alabama has thrown out a case of an officer accused of using excessive force against an elderly Indian man. This comes as prosecutors were considering a third trial. U.S. District Judge Madeline Haikala granted a motion of acquittal Wednesday in the case of Madison police officer Eric Parker. Parker was accused […]
Former Bibb County Deputy Sheriff Convicted of Sexual Exploitation
A former Bibb County deputy sheriff has been convicted on six criminal charges stemming from allegations that he sexually exploited women he encountered during traffic stops. Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange announced the conviction of Ervin Heard today Heard, 44, of Centreville, was found guilty on December 17, 2015, of charges of custodial sexual misconduct, […]
U.S. Department of Transportation Investigating Rural Driver’s License Offices
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Wednesday it’s investigating the closure or reduction in services at part-time driver’s license offices in Alabama for civil rights violations.
Feds Say New IDs Needed to Fly…Just Not Yet
As travelers take to the skies during this Thanksgiving travel period, they’ll be required to show ID. Many people use a driver’s license, but in future years that may not be good enough. A federal law that's been on the books 10 years means new ID requirements for those who fly domestically.
Driver’s License Offices Closures Could Affect Voting
Governor Robert Bentley warned there would be cuts to state services if lawmakers didn’t pass enough new revenue measures for the budget that goes into effect Thursday. The budget includes some new money but still cuts many agencies about 6-percent. As a result state law enforcement announced Wednesday examiners will no longer travel to 31 part-time satellite driver’s license offices. It’s a move that some worry could affect voting. We talk about it with Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
