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Chief Beance says violent crime is down and outlines recruitment, cadet program
Summary
Chief Beance told the committee violent crime is down about 15% year to date and the department completed a seven‑week joint FBI operation yielding 127 arrests and 22 illegal firearms; he also outlined recruitment gaps and a new cadet program starting July 27.
Chief Beance, speaking to the Public Safety Committee, said violent crime in Tuscaloosa has declined about 15% year to date and the department is seeing an overall reduction of roughly 41%.
"Right now our violent crime has dropped by 15% year-to date," Chief Beance said, and he described a seven‑week joint operation with the FBI that recovered 22 illegal firearms and led to 127 arrests. He added the operation generated approximately $15,000 in seized assets and that several cases may be pursued federally.
Beance described recent department investments and programs, including a new logistics building that opened March 13 to house mobile equipment, an addition to the departmental gym that he said will be finished in the coming weeks, and burglary details focused on university neighborhoods during student breaks.
On staffing, Beance said the department currently has "23 current vacancies," with 15 candidates in the hiring process (eight already POST‑certified), five recruits and one post‑interview scheduled. He also reported a civilian cyber analyst recently resigned to move to Texas.
Beance detailed training and outreach initiatives, including a cadet classroom and dual‑enrollment Explorer program with the Tuscaloosa City School System and Shelton State designed to funnel students into the cadet program; he said the approved cadet cohort will begin July 27. He also noted expanded self‑defense classes for women and gun‑lock giveaways at community sites.
The update concluded with recognition of officers and staff awards, and committee members asked follow‑up questions about total sworn and civilian staffing; Beance said he would provide a full tally later.
The committee did not take formal action on the update; members thanked Beance and asked for additional staffing details at a future meeting.
