Petition for the Immediate Removal or Resignation of City of Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond

To: Mayor of Birmingham, City Council Members, and Concerned Citizens

We, the undersigned residents of Birmingham, Alabama, are compelled to voice our deep concern regarding the current state of public safety in our city under the leadership of Police Chief Scott Thurmond. The alarming surge in violent crime, particularly the skyrocketing murder rates, has made it abundantly clear that Chief Thurmond has failed to implement an effective plan to protect our community and ensure the safety of both citizens and law enforcement officers.

Under Chief Thurmond's administration, Birmingham has experienced an unprecedented increase in homicides, and the morale within the Birmingham Police Department is at an all-time low. Instead of devising actionable strategies to combat this violence, the Chief appears to be merely reactive, allowing the situation to deteriorate further. The city's residents deserve decisive and impactful leadership—not a stagnant response that puts our safety at risk.

It is concerning that the trust and confidence that should exist between our police force and its leadership have eroded to such an extent that officers feel unsupported in their duties. The lack of confidence in the police leadership is a critical issue. If those tasked with protecting us cannot rely on their leadership, then who can we depend on? 

Our citizens are living in fear—fear of crime, fear of the police, and fear for their lives. As gun violence escalates daily, we find ourselves in an untenable situation. The Mayor and Police Chief's public blame-shifting only adds to the sense of chaos and confusion. Meanwhile, Birmingham's residents are left to fend for themselves as they become victims of crime.

We are calling for immediate action. Birmingham needs a police chief who prioritizes the safety of our community and possesses the vision and capability to lead effectively. We need a leader who will listen to the concerns of the citizens of Birmingham and who will work tirelessly to restore trust in our law enforcement agencies.

Therefore, we the undersigned respectfully request the immediate removal or resignation of Police Chief Scott Thurmond. We urge the Mayor and City Council to take decisive action to appoint new leadership within the Birmingham Police Department that is committed to implementing effective crime reduction strategies and restoring public trust.

Public Safety Should Be a Priority, Not a Convenience!