News Releases

Mobile Launches Intense Initiative to Get Guns and Drugs Off Streets

Jul 18th, 2012

Mobile Police Chief Micheal T. Williams, along with Mayor Sam Jones announces the formation of Operation I. M. P. A. C. T. (Integrated Municipal Police Anti-Crime Team), a unified, integrated taskforce including multiple divisions of the Department tackling the problem of 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 (MCSENT), Jaguar Unit, Tactical Response Unit, Criminal Investigative Unit, Precinct Crime Details, Enhanced Neighborhood Policing Unit, Community Services Unit and Public Information Officers.

"Citizen involvement is paramount to the success of this initiative," Mayor Sam Jones said. "We need the community to report any and all criminal activity within their neighborhood. That information will be totally confidential."

Citizens can call (251) 208-7000 or text to CRIMES (274637) and include the key word "CRIME 411" to report guns, drugs and 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 identifying problem areas and violent hotspots, utilizing the combined efforts of the Narcotics Unit, Intelligence Unit, MCSENT, Jaguar Unit and Tactical Response Unit, creating an increased police presence around these areas, residences and businesses.

Phase Two: Gun Buy-Back Program coordinated by the Community Services Unit, including drop-off sites where working firearms are exchanged for gifts cards from local businesses supporting the program.

Phase Three: Crime Stoppers Weapons Watch Line where citizens can call or text information which, if leading to arrest(s) of crimes involving guns or drugs, will result in a $100 reward.

Phase Four: A public awareness campaign to keep the citizens of Mobile up-to-date on the results of Operation I. M. P. A. C. T.

Updates for Operation I. M. P. A. C. T. will be sent as they become available.

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Ashley H. Rains
Public Information Office
Office: 208-1918
Fax: 208-1758