Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed appoints James Graboys as permanent police chief

January 7, 2025 – MONTGOMERY, AL – Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed announced that interim Montgomery Police Department Chief James Graboys has been made the permanent chief of police.

Graboys was appointed Interim Police Chief on July 15, 2024. He brings over 20 years of experience with the MPD, as well as leadership roles at the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and as Chief of Police at Alabama State University (from 2012 to 2019) to the position.

"Chief Graboys has shown outstanding leadership during his tenure," said Mayor Reed. "I'm confident he will continue to lead the Montgomery Police Department with integrity, vision, and a steadfast commitment to our community's safety."

Montgomery had contracted with Strategic Government Resources (SGR), a Texas-based recruitment firm specializing in local government leadership to conduct a national search for a new chief; but ultimately the city decided to just give the job to Graboys on a permanent basis.

Montgomery officials hope that this appointment marks a significant step in Montgomery's efforts to enhance public safety and foster community trust.

Nothing is holding Montgomery back more than the crime situation.

In 2024, Montgomery had 61 homicides. This is actually down by 14 in 2023. Montgomery had 62 in 2022 and 77 in 2021.