Montgomery, Ala. – In a move aimed at strengthening public safety and better serving families on the city’s roadways, Mayor Steven Reed and Sheriff Derrick Cunningham announced a new partnership between the Montgomery Police Department (MPD) and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Effective immediately, three specially trained deputies will respond to qualifying traffic crashes Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

How the partnership works

The deputies will investigate crashes involving personal‑use vehicles that result in no injuries or only minor injuries. By handling these routine incidents, the sheriff’s office frees MPD officers to address other critical public‑safety needs throughout Montgomery. The police department will continue to manage crashes that fall outside this scope, including those involving commercial vehicles, serious bodily injury, fatalities, or situations that require specialized investigative resources.

Both agencies retain the ability to request assistance from one another when circumstances warrant, ensuring that motorists, the public, and responding personnel receive the most appropriate response.

Financial commitment

Under the agreement, the City will pay the Montgomery County Commission $936,183 annually to cover personnel and operational costs associated with the deputy investigators. This investment reflects the city’s dedication to efficient use of law‑enforcement resources and to keeping roadways safe for families and commuters.

Leadership comments

“Working together allows us to better serve the people who depend on us every day,” Mayor Reed said. “This partnership gives MPD additional support for qualifying traffic crashes while allowing our officers to address other public‑safety needs across Montgomery. I appreciate Sheriff Cunningham and his team for their collaboration and shared commitment to keeping our community safe.”

Sheriff Cunningham added, “This new initiative with the Montgomery Police Department reflects our shared commitment to serving our citizens. By providing additional assistance with traffic accidents, we can reduce response times, improve the efficiency of investigations, and minimize the impact of traffic incidents on our community. Ultimately, this effort is about working together to better serve our citizens and make our roadways safer.”

What residents can expect

Motorists involved in minor‑injury or non‑injury crashes involving personal‑use vehicles should expect a deputy investigator to arrive during the designated hours. For more serious incidents, MPD will continue to lead the response. The collaboration is designed to streamline investigations, reduce delays, and ensure that law‑enforcement resources are allocated where they are needed most.

City officials anticipate that the partnership will not only improve response times but also allow police officers to focus on broader community‑safety initiatives, such as neighborhood patrols, crime prevention programs, and emergency preparedness efforts that benefit families throughout Montgomery.

Looking ahead

The agreement represents a practical example of local leaders putting community safety first, aligning with the values of responsible governance, family protection, and individual liberty. As the program unfolds, both the mayor’s office and the sheriff’s office will monitor its effectiveness and consider adjustments to further enhance service to Montgomery’s residents.

Original reporting: Alabama News Network — read the source article.