Birmingham Police launches Call Screening Unit to handle non-emergency [Video]

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – The Birmingham Police Department has launched a new Call Screening Unit to handle non-emergency reports.

The unit, established in January under the leadership of Deputy Chief Rodarius Mauldin, allows community members to file non-emergency reports without waiting for an officer to respond in person. This initiative aims to provide a more convenient way for people to report incidents such as forgery or identity theft.

It utilizes a new technology called Axon Share, which allows people to share photos, videos, and text messages directly with the police to aid in the report. Trained and sworn-in officers, who may be on limited duty due to injury or illness, handle the calls, which helps keep more first responders available for emergencies.

“An officer can take a report. You may have damage to property or something, this is not a call where you need an immediate emergency response,” says Deputy Chief Mauldin. …