By Carol Robinson
al.com
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Birmingham police said they are prepared to put the brakes on illegal street racing and exhibition driving on New Year’s Eve.
Officer Truman Fitzgerald said through the department’s focus on intelligence-led policing they’ve received information from a Georgia law enforcement that recent events in the Atlanta metro area may continue into Birmingham.
As a result, he said, they are relaunching Operation Knight Rider Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Last year, Mayor Randall Woodfin approached the leadership at the police department, asking for a plan to combat street racing and exhibition driving.
Woodfin also joined members of the Jefferson County legislative delegation in November 2022 to announce plans to file a bill to prohibit and impose penalties for certain forms of “exhibition driving,” including street racing and drag racing, burnouts, donuts, and similar activities defined within the bill.
That legislation was passed and signed by Gov. Kay Ivey last year.
Previously, drivers could only get a ticket.
Now, they face a minimum of misdemeanor charges, and up to a Class B felony if someone is injured or killed, or if there is property damage.
Operation Knight Rider , launched earlier this year by now- Interim Police Chief Michael Pickett , analyzes data, and that data is used to narrow down and target hotspots for resource deployment.
So far this year, 143 people have been arrested during Knight Rider , and 57 vehicles towed, including 10 stolen cars.
Police seized 86 guns, including 10 equipped with Glock switches.
“Through strong partnerships, BPD has enhanced our NYE safety plan by allocating additional resources to address illegal celebratory gunfire and exhibition driving while continuing our regular crime-fighting duties,’’ Fitzgerald said.
Alabama State Troopers and Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies will assist as force multipliers.
“While our priority is ensuring a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve celebration for all Birmingham residents,’’ Fitzgerald said, “we strongly urge potential participants of any crime to think twice.”
“Starting the new year with a car, insurance or your freedom is not worth it,’’ he said. “This will be a zero-tolerance operation.”
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