Meet Birmingham’s New Police Chief

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Mayor Randall Woodfin on Monday announced Patrick D. Smith as Birmingham’s new police chief. Smith will work alongside Birmingham Police Department veteran Allen Treadaway, who was named assistant chief. Smith will officially take the reins of the department June 18. Treadaway will handle day-to-day operations until then.

Woodfin made the announcement after a long search that included more than 50 candidates. He had narrowed the search down to three in early May.

Smith, a Tuscaloosa native, has 28 years of law enforcement experience with the Los Angeles Police Department, working his way up through the ranks as a patrol officer, police field training officer and instructor, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and most recently, police commander since 2015.

“I believe that a positive working relationship with my community is vital in the success of any police organization,” Smith said. “I strongly believe in working with the various communities to build bridges and sustain public trust while motivating, training and encouraging employees to achieve crime reduction goals and strategies.”

“Chief Smith is dedicated to bridge building. He understands that a department is only as strong as the community it serves,” Woodfin said. “As he works to build a better department, he will also be working to sustain public trust and bring real change to our communities. We’ll be stronger both behind the badge and in front of it.”

Treadaway has served on the Birmingham Police Department since 1989. Most recently Treadaway had worked as captain of the East Precinct since 2014, which includes the Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport. He worked with approximately 170 officers. He previously served as captain of the Crimes against Poverty unit, Lieutenant of the Burglary and Auto Theft units and Sergeant of the Auto Theft unit and South Precinct.

Treadaway has served as state representative since 2006, sponsoring and co-sponsoring legislation involving law enforcement issues. He is chairman of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee.

Photo courtesy of City of Birmingham