Birmingham reports 70 percent drop in homicides, overall crime falls 12 percent

The Birmingham Police Department reported a continued decline in crime during the first half of 2026, with homicides, violent crime and property offenses all falling compared to recent years.

During the department’s second-quarter public safety update Thursday, Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett said overall Part I crime is down 11.9 percent citywide compared to the same period in 2025. Violent and property crime declined across all four of the city’s precincts.

The city recorded 24 homicides through June 30, a 35.1 percent decrease from the first half of 2025 and a 70 percent reduction from the same point in 2024, when Birmingham had recorded 80 homicides.

The department also reported a homicide clearance rate of 92 percent and said police response times have improved by 31 percent.

“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.

Police officials attributed much of the reduction in crime to intelligence-led policing strategies. Department initiatives have focused on targeting crime hot spots, deploying street outreach teams, supporting community violence intervention programs and addressing neighborhood blight.

“The progress we’re seeing is the result of a true team effort,” Pickett said. “When law enforcement, community organizations, violence intervention professionals, elected officials and residents work together, we can make a measurable difference in the lives of the people we serve.”

The department also cited Operation Safe Summer and Operation Stop Track, joint efforts with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office aimed at reducing seasonal crime.

Ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Pickett said the department canceled officers’ scheduled days off to maximize police presence throughout the city.

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

Despite the overall reduction in traditional crime, the department warned residents about an increase in technology-based scams, particularly schemes involving cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence-generated deepfake phone calls impersonating family members or other trusted individuals. Police urged residents to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited requests involving Bitcoin or other digital assets.

Pickett also addressed recent inmate deaths at the Birmingham City Jail, saying investigations remain ongoing and the department is reviewing its policies and procedures. He said Birmingham police are working with the mayor’s office to improve conditions at the aging facility.

The department said it plans to continue focusing its resources on reducing violent crime during the second half of 2026 while maintaining the partnerships and policing strategies that officials say have contributed to this year’s decline in crime.