Attorney General Luther Strange hosted the 12th annual Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Summit on Thursday, and was attended by some north Jefferson County law enforcement. More than 650 law enforcement officers from throughout Alabama had registered to attend and receive practical information and professional training, with a primary focus on sentencing and incarceration concerns. In addition, Attorney General Strange also presented an update on activities of the Attorney General’s Office since he took office in January.

            Strange welcomed law enforcement officers and discussed the event’s theme. “Our state faces a crisis in how to effectively manage the sentencing and incarceration of the growing numbers of criminals. Justice demands that these criminals must be punished and that our citizens must be protected. We are honored that many who are at the forefront of this difficult issue have agreed to share their experience and wisdom with us here today.” 

           Among the topics discussed, the conference included a presentation from Director Spencer Collier of the Alabama Department of Homeland Security about the status of Alabama’s immigration law. This law designates the Department of Homeland Security as the agency to make rules for its enforcement and to coordinate with state and local law enforcement the practices and methods required for its enforcement. The role of the Attorney General’s Office regarding the new immigration law is to represent State of Alabama defendants in litigation that is ongoing. Therefore, inquiries about the law’s enforcement are properly directed to the Alabama Department of Homeland Security rather than to the Attorney General’s Office.

Strange also honored fallen law enforcement officers with a ceremony at the summit.