Montgomery, AL — As the City of Montgomery begins a new year, Mayor Steven L. Reed is emphasizing both honesty and momentum—recognizing meaningful progress in reducing crime while remaining clear-eyed about the work that still lies ahead.

During a January media availability, Mayor Reed shared year-end public safety data, announced new recruitment and retention incentives for police officers, and highlighted the city’s broader progress under Envision Montgomery 2040.

A Clear-Eyed Look at Public Safety

Montgomery ended 2025 with 61 homicides, the same number recorded the previous year.

 “That is not a win,” Mayor Reed said. “Every life lost is one too many. Life is sacred.”

While acknowledging this painful reality, the Mayor emphasized that public safety requires both honesty and context. When viewed citywide, Montgomery saw significant reductions across nearly every major crime category:

• Violent crime decreased by more than 25 percent
• Non-violent crime fell by more than 12 percent
• Overall crime declined nearly 15 percent
• Non-fatal shootings dropped by almost 14 percent

 “These numbers matter,” Reed said. “They tell us that Montgomery is becoming safer, even as we stay focused on where we must do better.”

The Montgomery Police Department also removed a significant number of illegal weapons from the streets in 2025. Officers seized more than 2,100 firearms, including 26 machine-gun conversion devices, with hundreds of the seized guns potentially linked to other crimes.

“That work saves lives,” Reed noted.

Community, Commitment, and Collaboration

Mayor Reed emphasized that progress in public safety does not happen in isolation.

“There are countless people across Montgomery doing the hard work every single day—often without recognition,” he said. “They are the reason progress is possible.”

The Mayor credited partnerships with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and federal partners including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives.

“These partnerships strengthen accountability and ensure we are working together to keep Montgomery safe,” Reed said.

Investing in the People Who Protect the City

In 2025, nearly 1,000 people expressed interest in becoming Montgomery police officers, a sign, Mayor Reed said, that belief in public service and in the city remains strong.

To build on that momentum, the City announced new recruitment and retention incentives for sworn personnel:

• Current officers may receive up to $10,000 per year for up to three years, paid quarterly, as long as funding remains available.
• New recruits may receive up to $10,000 in their first year, with the first $2,500 paid after successfully completing the police academy.
• After their first year, new officers become eligible for retention bonuses.
• Officers must enroll each quarter to receive incentive payments.

“These incentives recognize the demanding nature of the work and help us retain experienced officers while recruiting qualified new ones,” Reed said.

Residents interested in a career in law enforcement are encouraged to visit joinmgmblue.com for more information.

Accountability and the Justice System

Mayor Reed also addressed a concern frequently raised by officers and law-enforcement leadership: individuals accused of violent crimes being released quickly, only to reoffend.

“That cycle puts officers at risk, puts neighborhoods at risk, and undermines public confidence,” he said.

Reed reiterated support for expanding Aniah’s Law, which would give judges and prosecutors additional discretion to detain violent offenders while cases move through the court system. He encouraged residents to stay informed as the Alabama primary approaches this spring.

Progress Beyond Public Safety

The Mayor also highlighted steady progress under Envision Montgomery 2040, noting that 79.5 percent of the plan’s 120 strategic actions are completed or actively underway.

Key areas of progress include:

• Updating outdated zoning rules to support housing choice and mixed-use development
• Aligning police and fire services under a unified public-safety mission
• Expanding opportunities for minority-owned developers and small businesses
• Securing major investments in transit, sidewalks, trails, and green space
• Integrating health and quality-of-life considerations into infrastructure projects

“Montgomery isn’t just planning for the future—we’re building it now,” Reed said.

Looking ahead to 2026, the City will focus on climate resilience, protecting natural resources like Cypress Creek, and advancing smart, sustainable growth that benefits every neighborhood.

Looking Forward Together

Mayor Reed closed by inviting residents to attend the 2026 State of the City Address in February, where he will outline priorities for the year ahead.

“I’m proud of the momentum we’ve built,” Reed said. “And I look forward to where that momentum will take Montgomery next.”