FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
October 7, 2014
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Alabama Attorney General
Claire Haynes (334) 242-7351
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AG HOLDS 15th ANNUAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SUMMIT
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Luther Strange today presented the 15th
annual Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Summit, carrying on a tradition since 2000.
This year’s theme was “Protecting Alabama Citizens Against Crime.” A record attendance
of more than 725 law enforcement officers from throughout Alabama were registered to
attend, receiving practical information and professional training with a focus on recent
developments in legislation, case law and investigative procedures for some of the most
prevalent and fastest-growing crimes. The 2014 summit was held in Montgomery at Frazer
United Methodist Church.
Attorney General Strange welcomed law enforcement officers and discussed the
event’s theme. “The protection of our citizens is foremost in my mind and the primary
focus of my office,” he stated. “Today’s criminals target our state’s most vulnerable
citizens to prey upon, including the young, the elderly, and the meek or mild. Many of
these victims are targeted repeatedly by the same or multiple offenders.”
This year’s conference featured a series of presentations from experts: “Developing
a Coordinated Community Response to Crime,'” from Steve M. Searcy of One Place
Family Justice Center; “Domestic Violence/Strangulation/Stalking,” from Carrie Gray
Shaw of the District Attorney’s Office for the 15th Judicial Circuit; “Sex Offender
Registration and Notification Act,” from Trisha L. Mellberg of the Alabama Office of
Prosecution Services; “Human Trafficking: A State Perspective,” from Assistant Attorney
General Andrew Arrington; “Criminal Law Update,” from Assistant Attorney General
Michael Dean; and “Elder Abuse,” from John Craft of the Thomas Goode Jones School of
Law and J. Seth Gowan of the District Attorney’s Office for the 15th Judicial Circuit.
Attorney General Strange thanked those who provided valuable information in these
presentations, as well as his Law Enforcement Coordinator, Louis Zook, and all staff
members of the Attorney General’s Office who provided valuable assistance.
In addition, Attorney General Strange announced a new telephone number and
email address to receive citizen tips that could help solve cold cases and bring justice.
People who may have evidence or clues about cold case sexual assaults and murders are
encouraged to call the Attorney General’s Office and share this information by leaving a
recorded message. The toll-free hotline number is 1-866-419-1236 and email messages may
be sent to coldcasetips@ago.state.al.us. The Attorney General’s Cold Case Unit targets
unsolved or unresolved violent sexually motivated assaults and homicides in which
probative DNA exists.
501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov Page 2 of 2
A somber highlight of the day came with the commemoration of fallen officers who
lost their lives in the line of duty during the past year. The Attorney General recognized
the sacrifices of the following officers with the presentation of memorial flags and
certificates of honor:
Deputy Sheriff Allen Kay of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office died on October
19, 2013. He suffered a fatal heart attack following an incident in which he arrested
offenders, held them at gunpoint and transported them to jail. Deputy Kay served the
DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office for eight years.
Sergeant Daniel V. Davis of the Phenix City Police Department died on
November 10, 2013. He was removing weapons from his patrol car when a firearm
discharged, hitting him in the leg and severing an artery. He bled to death before he could
call for help. Sergeant Davis served the Phenix City Police Department for eight years.
Investigator Jeffrey Hugh Bryant of the Centre Police Department died on
December 20, 2013. He was en route to meet with another officer when another vehicle hit
his patrol car head on and killed him. Investigator Bryant served the Centre Police
Department and other law enforcement agencies for more than 20 years.
Deputy Sheriff William Heath Kelley of the Covington County Sheriff’s Office
died on April 18, 2014. He was killed in a vehicle crash while responding to an accident
with injuries call. Deputy Kelley served the Covington County Sheriff’s Office for eight
years.
Attorney General Strange thanked the officers in attendance today, and expressed
appreciation to their fellow officers in communities throughout Alabama. “I am grateful
and proud of the bravery and unselfish dedication that law enforcement officers give to
people of Alabama in their service to us each day,” he said. “It is my hope that this summit
has provided valuable instruction and shared information that you will take back to your
communities and that it may be of assistance as you carry out your noble task of
protecting the people of Alabama.”
The Attorney General’s Office also distributed updated copies of the Alabama
Criminal Code to be given to law enforcement officers throughout Alabama. Those
departments that did not have a representative at the summit may contact the Attorney
General’s Office by calling 334-242-7300 to arrange receipt of Criminal Code books for
their officers.
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