The Birmingham Police Department reported a continued drop in crime across the city Thursday, highlighting a sharp decline in homicides and property offenses during its second-quarter public safety update.Police Chief Michael Pickett delivered the briefing, noting that violent and property crimes fell across all four of the city’s precincts for the period ending June 30. Overall, crime is down 11.9% citywide compared to the same time last year.Watch Pickett give an update on the city’s year-to-date crime statistics for 2026 and prior years in the video above.The department highlighted a 35.1% drop in homicides compared to the first half of 2025, and a 70% plummet since 2024. The city has recorded 24 homicides so far this year, compared to 80 at this time two years ago. Additionally, BPD’s homicide clearance rate sits at 92% and police response times have improved by 31%.”These results reflect the dedication of our officers, detectives, civilian staff and our community and law enforcement partners who work every day to make Birmingham safer,” Pickett said.>> YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Community coverage from WVTM 13The downward trend is largely credited to intelligence-led policing. Recent initiatives have focused heavily on targeting neighborhood hot spots with street outreach teams, community violence intervention and addressing blight to disrupt the cycle of violence.The city’s progress runs parallel to broader regional efforts. The department has partnered with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for “Operation Safe Summer” and “Operation Stop Track,” two joint initiatives designed to increase visibility and curb warm-weather crime spikes across the Birmingham area.To maintain that momentum through the Fourth of July weekend, Pickett noted that the department has canceled officers’ off days to ensure a maximum police presence.”We will be out in full force,” Pickett warned. “If it’s egregious, we plan to put some cuffs on you and sit you down at the Birmingham City Jail.”During the briefing, the chief also took time to warn the public about a rise in high-tech scams targeting youth and the elderly, urging residents to be wary of cryptocurrency requests and AI-generated deepfake phone calls imitating loved ones.Pickett also briefly addressed recent inmate deaths at the Birmingham City Jail, noting that investigations are ongoing and the department is currently reviewing its protocols. He added that BPD is working closely with the mayor’s office to improve conditions at the aging facility.>> WVTM 13 ON-THE-GO: Download our app for free

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —

The Birmingham Police Department reported a continued drop in crime across the city Thursday, highlighting a sharp decline in homicides and property offenses during its second-quarter public safety update.

Police Chief Michael Pickett delivered the briefing, noting that violent and property crimes fell across all four of the city’s precincts for the period ending June 30. Overall, crime is down 11.9% citywide compared to the same time last year.

Watch Pickett give an update on the city’s year-to-date crime statistics for 2026 and prior years in the video above.

The department highlighted a 35.1% drop in homicides compared to the first half of 2025, and a 70% plummet since 2024. The city has recorded 24 homicides so far this year, compared to 80 at this time two years ago.

Additionally, BPD’s homicide clearance rate sits at 92% and police response times have improved by 31%.

“These results reflect the dedication of our officers, detectives, civilian staff and our community and law enforcement partners who work every day to make Birmingham safer,” Pickett said.

>> YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Community coverage from WVTM 13

The downward trend is largely credited to intelligence-led policing. Recent initiatives have focused heavily on targeting neighborhood hot spots with street outreach teams, community violence intervention and addressing blight to disrupt the cycle of violence.

The city’s progress runs parallel to broader regional efforts. The department has partnered with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for “Operation Safe Summer” and “Operation Stop Track,” two joint initiatives designed to increase visibility and curb warm-weather crime spikes across the Birmingham area.

To maintain that momentum through the Fourth of July weekend, Pickett noted that the department has canceled officers’ off days to ensure a maximum police presence.

“We will be out in full force,” Pickett warned. “If it’s egregious, we plan to put some cuffs on you and sit you down at the Birmingham City Jail.”

During the briefing, the chief also took time to warn the public about a rise in high-tech scams targeting youth and the elderly, urging residents to be wary of cryptocurrency requests and AI-generated deepfake phone calls imitating loved ones.

Pickett also briefly addressed recent inmate deaths at the Birmingham City Jail, noting that investigations are ongoing and the department is currently reviewing its protocols. He added that BPD is working closely with the mayor’s office to improve conditions at the aging facility.

>> WVTM 13 ON-THE-GO: Download our app for free