birminghamal.gov
Mayor Randall L. Woodfin announced Tuesday the formation of a civilian-led Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) as part of an ongoing effort to build trust between the community and law enforcement.
PSAC will hold the first monthly meeting on Sept. 21, at 1 p.m. in the Gallery of Distinguished Citizens on the second floor of City Hall. The meeting will be open to the public.
PSAC’s purpose is four-fold: provide transparency to the public about police operations; provide the mayor with an independent assessment of police operations; create a space for accountability of the city and the police department for its operations in support of public safety and create a space to review community complaints in support of public safety.
The committee’s actions will provide an independent assessment of police operations, according to the city.
Creation of PSAC is a direct response to the recommendations from the City of Birmingham’s Public Safety Task Force and national calls for reimagining public safety. It revises policy and replaces a civilian review board established in 2021.
“The experience surrounding the initial creation of a civilian review board provided greater insight into the needs of such a panel and shed light on how the policy would interact with state law. This transition to a Public Safety Advisory Committee will jumpstart efforts to support our intent,” Woodfin said. “I am thankful to city staff and the individuals who have agreed to serve on the committee.”
Four members of the previous Civilian Review Board (CRB) will transition to PSAC. Each provides specific experience that represents the spectrum of Birmingham as it relates to public safety and police operations.
The committee members serve on a voluntary basis and are not compensated. Members of the committee are:
–Rev. Lawrence Conoway, pastor, Fellowship Bible Church
–T. Marie King, activist, speaker, trainer/facilitator
–Annetta Nunn, YWCA domestic violence court advocate; former chief, Birmingham Police Department
–Victor Revill, criminal justice attorney, Public Safety Task Force member
–Don Siegelman, attorney and former governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and secretary of state of Alabama
King will serve as committee chairperson.
Individuals may request a review of a matter with the committee online at www.BirminghamPSAC.org or by mailing a form to:
Division of Social Justice and Racial Equity re: PSAC
710 20th Street North
Birmingham, AL 35203
In addition to an online form, paper forms will be available at Birmingham’s public libraries and the Office of Public Information located on the third floor of City Hall. Individuals who wish to hand deliver a form may securely drop it off at the Office of Public Information located on the third floor of City Hall.
Upon completion of an investigation, committee actions and recommendations will be forwarded to the mayor. Findings of the committee will be made public in regularly scheduled reports.
To learn more, visit www.BirminghamPSAC.org.
