Madison Police Chief Larry Muncey informs Chamber at luncheon

Chief of Police Larry Muncey gives a presentation at the Madison Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon June 19.

By Nick Sellers | Staff Reporter

MADISON — With all his commitments to various organizations–The National Children Advocacy Center, Madison Rotary Club and Partnership for a Drug Free America to name a few, Chief of Police Larry Muncey nevertheless found time to address the Madison Chamber of Commere at its monthly luncheon June 19.

Muncey went over the city’s law enforcement structure, an array of crime-fighting statistics and the numerous improvements the city’s police force has seen since he took over in 2009.

“We want perfection,” Muncey said of his staff’s performance, “so we’re always trying to improve.”

Only one out of every 250 applicants lands a job with the Madison Police Department, Muncey said, and it stands a testament to the standard he has set with his administration. One of the slides in Muncey’s presentation outlined the cost per 911 call to taxpayer, which was around $89. The cost was lower than any other police force across North Alabama.

Another honor bestowed upon Madison is that among the top-10 largest cities in Alabama, it is the safest city in terms of crimes committed per capita. That is despite the 1.78 officers per 1,000 citizens in Madison, below the norm of 2.4.

“We are the most efficient department in North Alabama,” Muncey said.

He also mentioned in his speech the recent addition of three new officers after finally securing funding. The department is, however, down to two K-9 officers for the city.

In response to the rash of local car break-ins, Muncey had succinct and direct advice:

“Lock your doors and don’t put valuables in the front seat.”

Muncey did acknowledge the total amount of arrests increased from 1,476 in 2012 to 2,071 in 2013. Whether a byproduct of increasing population or other factors, Muncey stressed the 83 sworn personnel protecting the city are held to the highest standard.

“No apologies, but we look for the best,” he said.