Alabama is a state with many unique opportunities for those looking to work in law enforcement. The crime rates are lower than the national average, and the cost of living is also below the U.S. average.
If you’re looking to make your way into one of these positions, there are nine departments that made our list as some of the best places to work in Alabama.
Alabama is a state with many unique opportunities for those looking to work in law enforcement. The crime rates are lower than the national average, and the cost of living is also below the U.S. average.
If you’re looking to make your way into one of these positions, there are nine departments that made our list as some of the best places to work in Alabama.
Mobile Police Department
The first on this list might be an obvious choice – but it’s worth mentioning anyways! Mobile Police Department has been recognized nationally not only for their hardworking officers who help keep things safe around town, but they’ve also earned recognition from other organizations nationwide like Newsweek Magazine and US News & World Report because of how well-managed they are here in Mobile, Alabama.
Birmingham Police Department
There are police departments around the country that are ranked high. The Birmingham Police Department has made headlines recently because they have been doing well and also because they have been welcoming people from all different backgrounds into the BPD.
If you’re looking for a new challenge, then Birmingham PD might be the place for you! This department has also been growing over the years and they’ve seen an increase in the number of officers from minority groups as well as women so this is one force that’s not only hiring but welcoming to those who are traditionally underrepresented in law enforcement careers.
An even better part about working for Birmingham PD? The benefits are absolutely amazing according to sources including retirement options and 401k plans- not many departments can claim that kind of coverage so if you want something long term then head up north before it’s too late!
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is actually ranked number three out of our nine selected best places to work! They’re known for being an equal opportunity employer with plenty of opportunities for promotion, too; if you want your career to have room to grow then JCSO might be a good place for you to start.
Huntsville Police Department
We know that Birmingham and Montgomery are two of the more populous cities in Alabama, but we’ve also got police departments from smaller towns like Huntsville PD who might be a good fit for someone looking to take their career on an adventure! If you’re interested in law enforcement careers as they exist outside of our largest metropolitan areas then this is one place to look into.
Bessemer Police Department
Bessemer Police Department is number five on this list and though it’s not the largest police department in Alabama, they’ve been recognized for excellent work with youth programs in their town. If you’re looking to be a face of law enforcement that kids can relate to there might just be no better place than Bessemer PD!
Decatur Police Department
The seventh best department on our list goes to Decatur PD out east. This team has some really unique perks like free housing, paid vacations and even car insurance coverage and overtime rates that are truly competitive among other police departments near them.
Tuscaloosa Police Department
The ninth best police department in Alabama to work for is the Tuscaloosa Police Department. They have a lot of different opportunities for advancement, an equal opportunity employer with good work-life balance and plenty of training. Their staff is diverse as well which makes it great place to build your career!
5 Helpful Tips to Become a Police Officer in Alabama
-Find a police department you want to apply for on the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission website, or Scour their job postings or use an online application system like ZipRecruiter.
-Fill out your profile, cover letter, resume/CV, and any other materials listed in the “Application Process” section of that specific agency’s page.
-Get certified as a peace officer by taking PAOLE training at one of these state approved courses: Birmingham Police Academy (afternoon sessions only), Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (evening sessions only), Montgomery College Criminal Justice Program – Industry Lab; Guntersville Police Department – Cadet School *Once certified take the PAOLE exam
-Complete all the required steps as it pertain to the agency you are applying t
-Be patient, this process may take as long as a month or more.
Top Paying Police Agencies in Alabama
-Shelby County Sheriff’s Office: Starting Salary $47,000
-Homewood Police Department: Starting Salary $43,516.00
-Gardendale Police Department: Starting Salary$46,476.40
-Birmingham City Police Dept.:Starting salary $44,515.20
-Huntsville Municipal PD:Starting salary$45,630.70*Source from Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website at “Alabama Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission” page
*Figures listed are starting salaries for entry level positions in each agency per ALEA data as of January 2019.*Wages may vary depending on how many years you have been working for that specific department or what promotions you have received.
Alabama’s largest law enforcement agencies are:
– Birmingham Police Department (BPD) – Birmingham, Alabama (population 212,850)
– Montgomery Police Department (MPD) – Montgomery, Alabama (population 201,920)
– Mobile County Sheriff Office (MCSO)-Mobile, Alabama(pop. 190,315). This agency has the fastest response time in the state and is one of just a handful that provide 24/hour service to its residents. MCSCO also has an active volunteer program consisting of more than 700 volunteers who donate 40 hours per week for patrol duty on foot or horseback patrols at special events throughout the county.
– Huntsville City Police Department – Huntsville, AL (pop. 180,184)
– Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office – Northport, AL. This agency has the second fastest response time in the state and is one of just a handful that provide 24/hour service to its residents. TCSCO also has an active volunteer program consisting of more than 700 volunteers who donate 40 hours per week for patrol duty on foot or horseback patrols at special events throughout the county.
– Shelby County Sheriff’s Office – Columbiana, AL with population 142,779
In conclusion, finding the right agency is a loud drawn-out process, so be patient and stay the course. These departments have some of the most competitive benefits packages, including free housing options; health insurance coverage incentives, and more. If you’re looking for an opportunity where your hardworking skills will be rewarded, then one of these departments may just be perfect for you!
