Birmingham police arrest 26 in public housing sweep

Add Us On GoogleAdd as a preferred source on Google

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Many residents said a big crime sweep in some Birmingham housing projects was a welcome sight.

Officers said they'll do more and the folks who live here say they need this around the clock.

Police arrested 26 people during the public housing sweep that took place last weekend. The crimes ranged from attempted murder to drug possession.

The sweep was conducted by 17 of the Birmingham Police Department's HICOPP unit, a federal funded program that involves officers assigned only to housing communities.

During this sweep, officers visited Loveman's Village, Southtown, Kingston, Avondale, North Birmingham Homes and Gate City.

Aside from arrests, officers confiscated a large amount of marijuana, some crack cocaine and two hand guns.

Residents in one of those communities said they are grateful for the operation, but feel more police presence is needed.

"I'm glad they're doing the operation because it gives us a chance to make the community better and feel safe around here because a lot of us have children and we want to send them outside and enjoy themselves instead of being cooped up in the house," Victoria Cowan, who lives in Loveman's Village, said.

"We need more patrols out here 24-7 all the time. Not just one time circle the block but constantly, constantly," Ashley Shine said.

Police said they do plan to conduct similar operations in the future.