Birmingham City Hall (Nathan Watson/Bham Now)

An advisory commission of business, community and criminal justice leaders has been formed to identify promising strategies to reduce homicides in Birmingham.

The formation of the diverse group comes in response to the city already passing the number of homicides in 2023 with months left in the year.

The commission is modeled after a successful effort initiated in Birmingham during the 1990s, when then-Mayor Richard Arrington appointed a commission to address a surge in crime.

21 members on the Birmingham Advisory Commission to reduce homicides

Below are the 21 members of the commission appointed by Mayor Randall Woodfin.

Co-chaired by Ralph Williams Jr., vice president of Alabama Power’s Birmingham Division, and Lee Styslinger III, co-chairman of Altec Inc.

Leroy Abrahams, executive vice president at Regions Bank
Dr. Tracey Morant Adams, senior executive vice president at Renasant Bank
Chris Anderson, Chief of Police at Talladega College
Emory Anthony, attorney
Frank Barefield, chair, CrimeStoppers of Metro Alabama
Dr. Thomas Beavers, pastor at New Rising Star Church
Danny Carr, Jefferson County District Attorney
Patrick Davis, Special Agent in Charge at U.S. Secret Service – Birmingham Field Office
Monique Grier, director, Jefferson County Youth Detention Center
David Hicks,Jefferson County Health Officer
Dr. Jeff Kerby, director of UAB’s Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery
Phillip Harris, Vestavia Police Department, Birmingham Police Detective (retired)
Carnelle Howell, senior managing director at Howell Consulting
Jamey McMahon, chair of Ligon Industries
Chris Nanni, CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham
Arnee Odoms, communications manager at Birmingham Promise
Shanta Owens, Jefferson County Circuit Judge
Michael Streety, Jefferson County Circuit Judge
Bo Walters, President, Dunn Construction

Former Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper will serve as an advisor to the group.

“We all feel a sense of urgency and share the mayor’s belief that these senseless killings must come to an end. We will be looking for best practices that are working elsewhere and what has the best chance to make a difference in Birmingham.”

Former Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper

Strategies needed: Report in 60 days

The commission is in charge of accomplishing the following tasks:

Assemble for the city strategies and programs that have helped other cities and jurisdictions reduce crime and especially homicides
Produce an initial report to the city in less than 60 days

The Birmingham Police Foundation will be a key partner in supporting the commission’s fact-finding work as well as in implementing its recommendations.

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