Former Police Chief, Business, Community Leaders on Panel Looking to Stem Gun Violence in Birmingham

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin on Tuesday announced an advisory commission made up of business, community and criminal justice leaders including former Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper to identify ways to reduce homicides in the city. The commission will be co-chaired by Ralph Williams Jr., vice president of Alabama Power’s Birmingham Division, and Lee Styslinger III, co-chairman of Altec Inc. The city appears to be nearing a record number of homicides. There have been 130 so far this year in Birmingham. Of those incidents, nine have been ruled justified. The city’s modern record for homicides is 148 in 1933. The commission’s focus is on quick assembly of information on strategies and programs that have helped other cities and jurisdictions reduce crime and especially homicides, according to the city. The goal is to have an initial report before the end of the year. “We all feel a sense of urgency and share the mayor’s belief that these senseless killings must come to an end,” Roper said. “We will be looking for best practices that are working elsewhere and what has the best chance to make a difference in Birmingham.” Roper served at the BPD...