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Birmingham Chief of Police Scott Thurmond announced on Thursday that he will retire on Nov. 29. Mayor Randall Woodfin appointed Thurmond to his position in June 2022. He served as interim for five months leading up to June 2022 after former Chief Patrick Smith resigned.
“I’ve had a lot of thought about this, and this is just something that I’ve decided to do. The time is right. There’s many positive things that are going on for the city, the city of Birmingham right now, and I feel that the police department will be in very good hands, going forward,” said Thurmond.
Woodfin has appointed Deputy Chief of Special Operations Michael Pickett to serve as interim police chief once Thurmond steps down at the end of next month. Pickett has served in various leadership positions at the Birmingham Police Department and has two decades of experience in law enforcement. Woodfin spoke highly of him and his accomplishments at the BPD.
“Deputy Chief Pickett is a committed public servant. I am grateful for his willingness to step up and lead at this time. He is known for his innovative public safety strategies and we look forward to his leadership,” said Woodfin.
Woodfin also praised how Pickett has led the department’s response to exhibition driving through Operation Knight Rider. The project was designed to address the issues of exhibition driving and street racing in the city, and the operation has been a success thus far.
When asked about his goals as interim chief, Pickett was clear about his top priority.
“I want to thank Mayor Woodfin for his confidence in me and offering this opportunity,” Pickett said. “My focus is straightforward – a safer city. I’ll aim to motivate and reinvigorate our men and women in the department. Attract more officers to join this department while emphasizing efficient and effective policing.”
Woodfin also announced that Captain Edmond Hanks will move to the position of interim assistant chief of police effective Nov. 29. Hanks is a second-generation police officer in Birmingham where he’s served the city’s police department for 33 years.
“The good news is that none of the leaders standing before you are strangers to one another. We are proud that our bench strength is strong in BPD and that we can – once again – promote from within our own ranks,’’ Woodfin said.
