Birmingham police officer arrested on child sex crimes including rape

A former Birmingham police officer is in custody following his arrest on Thursday for serious sex crimes. Gregory Thompson, 38, faces charges including first-degree rape, first-degree sex abuse, and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.

Resignation and Arrest

Thompson, who had been with the Birmingham Police Department since 2018, resigned from his position shortly before being taken into custody. The Birmingham Police Department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) processed the arrest of the Center Point resident without incident.

Investigation Details

According to Sgt. LaQuitta Wade, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation into the alleged incident, which reportedly took place this year. Thompson is currently held at the Jefferson County Jail without bond.

This incident marks the second time in two weeks that a Birmingham officer has faced serious charges, following a separate arrest of an officer for first-degree sexual assault.

Department Response

Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett addressed the recent string of misconduct, emphasizing a commitment to accountability and internal reform. "As Chief, I am committed not only to holding individuals accountable but also to continually evaluating our training, supervision, early intervention systems, and employee wellness programs," Pickett stated.

The department is currently prioritizing the enhancement of mandatory reporting protocols to ensure unethical or criminal behavior is identified and addressed as early as possible. Pickett stressed that the department intends to police its own ranks with the same vigor it applies to fighting crime across the city.

"The trust of this community is earned every day through our actions, not our words," Pickett added. "We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and serving the people of Birmingham."