Operation Python

"Operation Python" was a law enforcement task force implemented by Bessemer Cutoff District Attorney Lynneice Washington between July 7 and October 20, 2017. A second phase was carried out between May 24 and August 27, 2021. The operation was initiated with the assistance of U.S. Marshal Marty Keely and supported by federal grants.

Participating agencies included the U.S. Marshals Service's Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Bessemer Police Department; the Hueytown Police Department,; the Birmingham Police Department's Crime Reduction and Neighborhood Enforcement Teams; the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office's Metro Area Crime Center, Narcotics Unit and Warrant Detail; and the Alabama State Board of Pardons and Paroles' Bessemer Division.

The operation targeted violent crime in Bessemer, Brighton, Fairfield, Lipscomb, Midfield and the western Birmingham neighborhoods of East Brownville's "New Hill" and Roosevelt City. In 2017, as many as 212 warrants were cleared, with 126 arrests made on charges relating to violent crimes. The 2021 effort led to 156 arrests, including 12 on homicide charges.

In addition, the 2017 operation seized 32 firearms, more than $2,000 in cash, and a reported $163,000 worth of illegal drugs (7.5 kilograms of marijuana, 263 grams of methamphetamine, 188 grams of cocaine and 73 grams of heroin). In 2021 another 47 firearms were seized, along with 2.2 kilograms of illegal drugs and $20,000 in cash.

Street gangs that were targeted in the operation included the 1407 Squad which was active in Brighton.

References

• Robinson, Carol (November 28, 2017) "126 arrested in 3-month Bessemer Cutoff DA detail dubbed Operation Python." The Birmingham News
• Robinson, Carol (September 9, 2021) "156 people, including 28 gang members, 12 murder suspects, arrested in Bessemer area crime op." The Birmingham News