Birmingham's New Year's Eve: Fewer Shots, More Safety

Birmingham saw a big drop in gunfire during New Year's Eve celebrations in 2026. The city's gunfire detection system, Shot Spotter, picked up 4, 688 rounds in 597 incidents. That's a lot less than the 6, 270 rounds in 948 incidents from 2024 and way less than the 11, 728 rounds in 1, 531 incidents back in 2023. Police were ready for the holiday with over 100 officers out for Operation Close Out. This initiative aimed to stop celebratory gunfire, catch drunk drivers, and keep an eye on crowded bars and clubs. The effort paid off, with a 37 percent drop in gunfire incidents compared to the previous year. Despite the progress, there were still some close calls. Shortly after midnight, officers got reports of a person grazed by a bullet on First Avenue North and a stray bullet hitting a gas tank or line on 28th Street in Ensley. Police haven't confirmed these reports yet.Operation Close Out wasn't born overnight. It evolved from Operation Crack Down, which started under former Chief A. C. Roper. After a New Year's Eve service where attendees had to stay inside because of nearby gunfire, Roper took action. He wanted a citywide plan to tackle illegal gunfire and keep people safe. Current Chief Michael Pickett built on this foundation. His team studied Shot Spotter data and calls for service from the previous year. They mapped out hotspots and sent officers there as a deterrent. The operation also included detectives and specialized teams to support patrol officers. The goal was clear: be visible, be ready, and respond quickly to any gunshots or violent incidents. The operation didn't just reduce gunfire; it also led to several DUI arrests and the recovery of multiple guns. Most importantly, no homicides were reported during the initiative.