Business owners in Birminghams Five Points South react to new crime commission [Video]

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced the creation of a new community-led crime commission made up of leaders in local business, faith and criminal justice Tuesday morning.

“The commission’s focus is to quickly assemble information on strategies and programs that have helped other cities and jurisdictions reduce crime, especially homicides,” Woodfin said.

The group, which is made of 21 individuals, will report their findings to Woodfin in under 60 days. Those results will be shared with the public.

The commission will be cochaired by Ralph Williams Jr., vice president of Alabama Power’s Birmingham Division, and Lee Styslinger III, cochairman of Altec Inc.

They will be joined by additional community members including Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr, Jefferson County Health Officer David Hicks and Jefferson County Circuit Judges Michael Streety and Shanta Owens. Former Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper will guide the work of the commission.

“The commission’s work …