BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) - Birmingham Chief of Police Scott Thurmond announced his retirement Thursday morning. Thurmond made the announcement during a news conference announced by Mayor Randall Woodfin.
"I've had a lot of thought about this, and this is just something that I've decided to do. The time is right. There's many positive things that are going on for the city, the city of Birmingham right now, and I feel that the police department will be in very good hands, going forward," said Thurmond. Thurmond said his retirement would be effective Friday, November 29. Woodfin thanked Thurmond for his service to the city. "I want to pick up by thanking Chief Thurmond for his many, many years of service, as well as his commitment to our city, his commitment to the men and women that he has led," said Woodfin. "Under Chief Thurmond's leadership, just to remind us, we have seen a reduction in overall violent crime in our city," Woodfin added. Thurmond recently fell under scrutiny due to public safety concerns in the city. Birmingham residents accusing Thurmond of poor leadership, particularly in managing rising homicide rates. State Representative Juandalynn Givan shortly after the petition began. from other Alabama departments have spoken out in his defense, including Oxford and Calera police chiefs. The Birmingham Fraternal Order Police was expected to against Thurmond in July, but held off citing it was awaiting proposed new legislation to combat crime in the city. Thursday, we asked Chief Thurmond about these comments, and whether this impacted his decision at all. "This is something that I decided 4 to 5 months ago...Nothing to do with city leadership, nothing to do with any of the comments in the news. Just happened to be bad timing unfortunately," said Thurmond. As of right now, Thurmond says he is unsure what's next, but feels this decision is what's best for him and his family. Woodfin said Deputy Chief of Special Operations Michael Pickett will serve as the interim police chief. Pickett has two decades of law enforcement service. Woodfin said Pickett has led the department's response to exhibition driving . He also led security and safety efforts for the World Games event that was held in the city in 2022. "Deputy Chief Pickett is a committed public servant. I am grateful for his willingness to step up and lead at this time. He is known for his innovative public safety strategies and we look forward to his leadership," said Woodfin." “I want to thank Mayor Woodfin for his confidence in me and offering this opportunity,” said Pickett. “My focus is straightforward. – a safer city. I’ll aim to motivate and reinvigorate our men and women in the department.Attract more officers to join this department while emphasizing efficient and effective policing. My number one goal is to make the citizens of Birmingham feel safer and to make criminals uncomfortable and fearful in our city. Thank you and I look forward to getting to work.” Woodfin also announced more leadership appointments during the news conference. Captain Edmond Hanks will move to the position of Interim Assistant Chief of Police effective November 29, 2024. Chief Thurmond's final day will be Friday, November 29th 2024. That is also when the interim chief Michael Pickett will assume the role. As far as what's next regarding permanent leadership, the mayor says they are just focusing on this transition over the next 4 weeks.
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"I've had a lot of thought about this, and this is just something that I've decided to do. The time is right. There's many positive things that are going on for the city, the city of Birmingham right now, and I feel that the police department will be in very good hands, going forward," said Thurmond. Thurmond said his retirement would be effective Friday, November 29. Woodfin thanked Thurmond for his service to the city. "I want to pick up by thanking Chief Thurmond for his many, many years of service, as well as his commitment to our city, his commitment to the men and women that he has led," said Woodfin. "Under Chief Thurmond's leadership, just to remind us, we have seen a reduction in overall violent crime in our city," Woodfin added. Thurmond recently fell under scrutiny due to public safety concerns in the city. Birmingham residents accusing Thurmond of poor leadership, particularly in managing rising homicide rates. State Representative Juandalynn Givan shortly after the petition began. from other Alabama departments have spoken out in his defense, including Oxford and Calera police chiefs. The Birmingham Fraternal Order Police was expected to against Thurmond in July, but held off citing it was awaiting proposed new legislation to combat crime in the city. Thursday, we asked Chief Thurmond about these comments, and whether this impacted his decision at all. "This is something that I decided 4 to 5 months ago...Nothing to do with city leadership, nothing to do with any of the comments in the news. Just happened to be bad timing unfortunately," said Thurmond. As of right now, Thurmond says he is unsure what's next, but feels this decision is what's best for him and his family. Woodfin said Deputy Chief of Special Operations Michael Pickett will serve as the interim police chief. Pickett has two decades of law enforcement service. Woodfin said Pickett has led the department's response to exhibition driving . He also led security and safety efforts for the World Games event that was held in the city in 2022. "Deputy Chief Pickett is a committed public servant. I am grateful for his willingness to step up and lead at this time. He is known for his innovative public safety strategies and we look forward to his leadership," said Woodfin." “I want to thank Mayor Woodfin for his confidence in me and offering this opportunity,” said Pickett. “My focus is straightforward. – a safer city. I’ll aim to motivate and reinvigorate our men and women in the department.Attract more officers to join this department while emphasizing efficient and effective policing. My number one goal is to make the citizens of Birmingham feel safer and to make criminals uncomfortable and fearful in our city. Thank you and I look forward to getting to work.” Woodfin also announced more leadership appointments during the news conference. Captain Edmond Hanks will move to the position of Interim Assistant Chief of Police effective November 29, 2024. Chief Thurmond's final day will be Friday, November 29th 2024. That is also when the interim chief Michael Pickett will assume the role. As far as what's next regarding permanent leadership, the mayor says they are just focusing on this transition over the next 4 weeks.
