Detective Mary Pearl McCord, Montgomery Police Department, Alabama

Detective Mary Pearl McCord

Montgomery Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Tuesday, January 5, 1982

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Mary Pearl McCord

Officer Mary McCord was a Vice and Narcotics Detective who was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspected drug dealer on Traction Avenue in North Montgomery.

As the suspect resisted arrest, he shot Officer McCord and seriously wounded her partner. The suspect turned himself in shortly thereafter.

The subject was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death. In 1985, he received a new trial and was sentenced to life without parole.

Officer McCord was a Vice and Narcotics Detective and served with the Montgomery Police Department for three years. She was survived by her parents and fiancé.

She was the first female Alabama Police Officer killed in the line of duty.

Bio

Age 25
Tour 3 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to life

narcotics, arrest attempt

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I grew up in Montgomery Alabama, and when Detective McCord joined the force, there was so much pride from the Black community. If I remember correctly, the Alabama Journal and/or the Montgomery Advertiser had an article about her joining the force. And I think prior to wearing the badge, she played basketball for Alabama State University, but those details I am not sure of, and my memory fades me in those matters. But what I will never forget, is watching the news and hearing that Detective McCord was gunned down in the line of duty. I was probably 11 years old at the time. I just remember crying my eyes out! I don't know if I cried because she was so young, or that she had not been on the force that long, or just that death is sad, period. Rest in peace Detective McCord!

Sharon L. Bradley, Citizen
Grew up in Montgomery

April 6, 2023