By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Thursday, Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R) signed an executive order creating the Integrated State Law Enforcement Task Force, which will look for ways to increase efficiencies in state-level law enforcement agencies.
Gov. Bentley said, “This is about making sure our agencies are working hand-in-hand with each other. Through better coordination and increased efficiency, I believe we can provide better public safety. These efforts will help us make the best use of the resources we have and will also help us better serve the people of this state.”
The Director of the Alabama Department of Homeland Security, Spencer Collier said “To my knowledge, Governor Bentley is the first Alabama governor to take action of this nature by ordering a comprehensive review of the state’s law enforcement resources and capabilities,” Director Collier said. “We have been given a clear directive to act as good stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars by examining the most efficient, effective, and modern ways to protect the citizens of Alabama. I am excited to be a part of this.”
Senate Pro Tem Del Marsh (R) from Anniston said, “We have no choice but to rethink state government operations in order to maximize taxpayer resources. Our goal is always to provide better, more cost-effective and efficient services to Alabamians, and this plan is a big step in the right direction. I appreciate Governor Bentley’s willingness to champion efforts to streamline state government and look forward to working with Lieutenant Governor Ivey, Speaker Hubbard and members of the Legislature to enact these plans.”
The Director of the Alabama Department of Public Safety Colonel Hugh McCall said, “Governor Bentley can count on the Department of Public Safety to fully support his efforts to ensure efficiency in state government. In these challenging economic times, we all must make sure we maximize resources while protecting public safety. Much can be accomplished when we work together.”
The state of Alabama currently has 22 agencies with law enforcement functions. The Integrated State Law Enforcement Task force is charged with reducing duplication of services and increasing government efficiency. The task force will make recommendations to the Governor on how the state can become more efficient.
Gov. Bentley said though, “Our top priority in any decision that we make will be public safety.”
The task force will include members recommended by the State House and Senate Leadership, the Alabama Sheriffs Association, and the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police. Gov. Bentley will designate a task force member and so will the Director of the Alabama State Personnel Department, Jackie Graham. Also the Integrated State Law Enforcement Task Force will include the Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Gunter Guy, Alabama Insurance Commissioner Jim Ridling, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Revenue Julie Magee; and the Administrator of the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Mac Gipson.
