Mayor Reed says there's an amnesty pathway for some police applicants, urges honesty and academy fitness

Mayor Steven L. Reed said Montgomery City is trying to widen recruitment pathways for the police department and described an "amnesty pathway" that may allow applicants with certain prior issues to be considered for service.

"There's an amnesty pathway," Reed said, adding that candidates must be "honest and forthcoming" and still meet the department's fitness and academy requirements. He told host Deer Hall that some applicants can arrange payment plans to clear outstanding tickets or fines before being considered.

Reed cautioned that certain matters may be disqualifying and said the city will still require applicants to pass the academy and related tests. "You still gotta be able to pass. Graduate from the academy," he said. Reed framed the approach as a way to grow the applicant pool while maintaining standards.

The conversation did not include specific policy language, ordinance references, or details on eligibility criteria, timelines, or how many applicants might qualify under the pathway. Reed's description was conversational; he did not cite a municipal code section or the name of a formal program beyond "amnesty pathway."