The City of Birmingham is proposing a new plan to combat violence and support BPD retention and recruitment

The million-dollar question in Birmingham remains: “What is the best way to combat violence?”

Birmingham city leaders have made numerous efforts to combat crime, such as cracking down on businesses and encouraging community participation.

The latest initiative comes from Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and the Birmingham Police Department.

On Tuesday, the mayor called an emergency meeting to address the City Council and present his “Strategic Recruitment Plan.”

The plan advances the city’s efforts to improve retention and recruitment of BPD officers. Mayor Woodfin and BPD Chief Scott Thurmond agreed that they believe this will significantly help reduce crime.

Some of the following incentives:

1. Increase the hiring bonus for new employees and career changers

Currently, the hiring bonus for new hires and lateral transfers is $5,000. It is now proposed to increase the sign-up bonus to $10,000.

2. Annual retention bonus

An annual retention bonus of $10,000 would be established for officers with two or more years of service. With $2,500 to be paid quarterly.

3. Vehicle Takeaway Program

Currently, BPD is one of three agencies in the greater Birmingham area that does not offer this (Bessemer/Fairfield).

Other incentives are also mentioned, such as mental health days and relocation assistance.

The price for the whole thing is $15,858,550.

The mayor says he would like to see it rolled out as early as January 2025.