Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway said preparations continue for World Games security but said he is confident in the plan that is in place. On June 22, 2022, he displayed equipment that will be used during the 10-day event. (Carol Robinson)
Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway said preparations continue for World Games security but said he is confident in the plan that is in place.
“We’re very prepared,’’ Pettway said. “We will be working to ensure that everyone is safe.”
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is one of 18 agencies that will be providing security for the World Games, which run July 7 through July 17.
Pettway on Wednesday displayed more than $ 1 million worth of equipment – many of it newly-purchases – at the JCSO Training Academy. The event showcased tools such as the new mobile Metro Area Crime Center, a bomb Truck, Star One helicopter, the Mobile Command Center, Dive Team equipment and drones.
“We wanted to give the public the opportunity to see all of our resources and tools,’’ Pettway said.
Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway said preparations continue for World Games security but said he is confident in the plan that is in place. On June 22, 2022, he displayed equipment that will be used during the 10-day event. (Carol Robinson)
The Birmingham City Council last week approved agreements with 15 cities, plus Jefferson County and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, to join The Birmingham Police Department in providing officers and equipment leading up to and during the World Games.
Jefferson County will provide 116 deputies, five K9 teams, six EOD technicians, 50 police vehicles, laborers, maintenance repair workers, electricians, HVAC technicians, truck drivers and metal detector staff.
ALEA, for example, will provide 91 state troopers, four bomb technicians, three K9 teams and 98 police vehicles for preparing for and hosting the World Games, during the period June 30-July 21.
The University of Alabama will provide six to eight officers, five K9 teams, 353 bicycle racks, four message boards, four portable light towers, one radiological detector, 80 walk-through metal detectors, and 100 delineators (magnetometers).
The cities agreeing to cooperate include Center Point, Clay, Florence, Fultondale, Gadsden, Gardendale, Irondale, Homewood, Hoover, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Mountain Brook, Pinson, and Vestavia Hills.
Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway said preparations continue for World Games security but said he is confident in the plan that is in place. On June 22, 2022, he displayed equipment that will be used during the 10-day event. (Carol Robinson)
Pettway said multiple agencies – including the FBI, ATF, and Secret Service – meet weekly in preparation for the World Games.
“We want to make sure that we’re all together on the same page and we’re working together to make sure that everyone is safe when it comes to the World Games,’’ he said.
Jefferson County Commission Jimmie Stephens was on hand to see the new equipment.
“It was purchased and built especially for what’s going on with World Games,” Stephens said. “We worked with Sheriff Pettway to make sure we had the right equipment in place at the right time.”
“We feel confident that the sheriffs’ department is ready,’’ Stephens said. “They are very much engaged, have a plan in place and will keep the citizens of Jefferson County safe during the World Games.”
Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 5/1/2021).
© 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.
Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.