Robertson Backs Police Staffing Bill for Montgomery

Republican Attorney General candidate Katherine Robertson said Thursday that her top priority, if elected, will be passing legislation to enforce minimum staffing levels within the Montgomery Police Department, with possible State intervention if those standards are not met.

Robertson pointed to recent violence in Alabama’s capital as a sign of deeper concerns about public safety and leadership.

“Alabama’s capital city should be a proud reflection of our State, but anyone who watches the news or reads the headlines can tell you that Montgomery today is in crisis,” Robertson said. “Just last week, Mayor Steven Reed fought loudly against a bill mandating minimum staffing levels in the Montgomery Police Department, and hours after that legislation died, the city experienced eight shootings and four murders in one weekend.”

During the 2026 regular legislative session, State Senator Will Barfoot (R–Pike Road) introduced legislation requiring the department to reach a minimum of 380 officers within five years. If unmet, the bill would allow the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to step in, appoint a chief administrative law enforcement officer, and supplement staffing with State or local officers.

Robertson said current officers are working under strain.

“The brave Montgomery police officers patrolling the streets are doing their very best with what they have, but the complete lack of leadership from the mayor’s office has left their ranks depleted,” Robertson said. “Too many lifelong residents of Montgomery have told me they fear leaving their homes at night, and none of them even consider attending community events, fairs, or festivals because they worry gunfire will erupt.”

She also referenced a mass shooting in October near the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa that left two people dead and 12 injured.

“The crime and lawlessness that the mayor allows to exist in Montgomery has even made it more difficult to recruit bright, talented, young lawyers to the Attorney General’s Office because few of them want to move and raise families there,” Robertson said. “I refuse to surrender our capital city to the criminal elements that roam its streets and will back any measure that gives Montgomery police officers the help, resources, and support they need.”

Barfoot, who has endorsed Robertson, said her support strengthens the case for the legislation.

“The need for this minimum staffing legislation is going to become even more critical between now and the next legislative session, not less, and I know that as Attorney General, Katherine will be patrolling the committee rooms, corridors, and chambers of the Alabama State House pushing for its passage,” Barfoot said. “Katherine is a fighter, she’s not afraid, and she’s ready on day one to step in and do what the Attorney General of this State needs to be doing, and that’s protecting the citizens of Alabama.”

The bill passed the Alabama Senate and was placed on the House calendar on the final day of the session. It ultimately failed when the House adjourned sine die before taking it up.

The Attorney General has no direct ability to introduce legislation. However, past holders of the office have used the bully pulpit of the office and influence with legislators to encourage the passage of bills which they supported.