BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – The Faith in Action Peacemakers campaign is asking Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and city council to redirect $1.5 million from the police department’s budget to things like anti-gun violence initiatives and programs to help people dealing with mental health issues to even homeless.
“Those who are suffering from social ills that are found in the community, they’re currently being dealt with by law enforcement and those law enforcement officers aren’t necessarily equipped to properly deal with those issues,” Onoyemi Williams, with Faith in Action said.
When it comes to anti-gun violence strategies, the peacemakers would like to see a community leadership team made up advocates, social service providers and city officials. The money would also be invested in hiring and training a street outreach team to work with people involved in the cycle of gun violence who are not in law enforcement custody.
Williams wants to see the money directed to help solve the problems, not just the symptoms.
