Mobile Launches an Intense Initiative to Get Illegal Guns and Drugs Off the Streets
Jul 18th, 2012
Police Chief Micheal Williams, joined by Mayor Sam Jones, announced the formation of Operation I.M.P.A.C.T., a unified, integrated taskforce that will include more divisions of the Police Departments tackling the problem of illegal guns and drugs in Mobile.
“All these divisions will be working in concert with each other and primary focus will be illegal guns and drugs,“ Chief Williams said. “We are going to use every resource we have to get these guns and drugs off our streets because they are destroying lives and neighborhoods.”
The new initiative will combine the efforts of the Narcotics Unit, Intelligence Unit, Mobile County Street Enforcement Narcotic Team, Jaguar Unit, Tactical Response Unit, Criminal Investigative Unit, Precinct Crime Details, Enhanced Neighborhood Policing Unit, Community Services Unit and Public Information Officer.
“Citizen involvement is paramount to the success of this initiative,” Mayor Jones said. “We need the community to report any and all criminal activity within their neighborhood. That information will be totally confidential.”
Citizens call 208-7000 or text 274637 to report illegal guns, drugs or criminal activity.
“This is a total community effort that will send a strong message that we will not allow the criminal element to control our streets,” Jones added.
The four phases of Operation I.M.P.A.C.T. will be include:
PHASE ONE: Intense street sweeps that will identify troubled areas and violence hotspots. Utilizing the combined efforts of the Narcotics Unit, Intelligence Unit, Mobile County Street Enforcement Narcotic Unit, Jaguar Unit, and Tactical Response unit - an increased Police presence around troubled areas and businesses;
PHASE TWO: Gun Buy Back program. Ran by the Community Services Unit, this phase will include drop off sites where no questions are asked when working firearms are brought in. For those persons dropping off working firearms, gifts cards from retailers will be given. The retailers are sponsoring phase two of Operation I.M.P.A.C.T.
PHASE THREE: Will involve Crimestoppers’ Weapons Watch Line where citizens can call or text information leading to the arrest of crimes involving illegal guns or drugs for a $100 reward.
PHASE FOUR: Will include a public awareness campaign to Citizen Action Groups, religious leaders, faith-based organizations and the general public.
Capt. Philip McCrary will be the unified commander of Operation I.M.P.A.C.T, coordinating the strategy plan for the initiative.