D
R
U
I
D
C
I
T
Y
1
8
1
9
T
U
S
C
A
L
O
O
S
A
TUSCALOOSA POLICE DEPARTMENT
ANNUAL REPORT
2019
D
R
U
I
D
C
I
T
Y
1
8
1
9
T
U
S
C
A
L
O
O
S
A
2019 ANNUAL REPORT
Table of Contents
Letter from Mayor Walt Maddox..................................
Tuscaloosa Council City Districts.................................
Message from the Chief..............................................
Mission and History.....................................................
Command Sta Directory............................................
TPD by Division...........................................................
The Big Five................................................................
TPD By the Numbers...................................................
TPD In Focus...............................................................
In Memoriam..............................................................
2019 Retirees..............................................................
2019 Awards and Honors............................................
Fit for Duty Challenge.................................................
Citizens’ Police Academy............................................
Tuscaloosa Support Group..........................................
Farewell from Chief Anderson.....................................
2
3
4
5
6
8
19
20
21
23
25
26
27
28
29
30
FACEBOOK: @TuscaloosaPoliceDepartment
TWITTER: @TuscaloosaPD
crimereports.com/tuscaloosa
Letter from Mayor Walt Maddox
Providing a safe and secure city is at the core of what
we do each day. For over 14 years, I have had the honor
to see the heroism and dedication of the Tuscaloosa
Police Department. I am amazed by their ability to
eectively deal with stressful and tragic circumstances,
yet provide a level of positive community engagement
that rivals any police department in our nation.
Our 2019 annual report reflects the core value of
transparency we established in 2005. Our goal is not
only to share where we have made significant progress,
but to also highlight where we will go in the future to
ensure Tuscaloosa is safe. Lastly, TPD cannot do this
alone, we need your help. Whether it is a neighborhood
watch or if it is volunteering with a civic organization,
we all have the ability to lift up our neighborhoods and
communities. Together, we can take Tuscaloosa to the
next level!
February 13, 2020
Sincerely,
Walter Maddox
Mayor
2
Tuscaloosa City Council Districts
3
Message from the Chief
This has been a challenging year for the men and
women of the Tuscaloosa Police Department. This year,
we lost our longtime leader, Chief Steve Anderson, to
retirement. Unfortunately, shortly after his retirement,
we had the first ocer in almost a half century killed
in the line of duty. Investigator Dornell Coussette was
fatally shot by a suspect he was attempting to arrest
on September 16, 2019. Additionally, we lost two
other members of our family, Ocer Warren Bennett
and Ocer David Martin, who both passed away from
natural causes.
With a heavy heart, the men and women of this
department carried on in the most professional way. I
am proud to be associated with such an outstanding
group of people.
This past year also brought changes in our operations.
We were required to move our department
headquarters to a temporary location on Hargrove Road
while significant repairs are made to headquarters.
As a cohesive unit, we overcame many challenges. Our
future looks bright, particularly with the formation of a
new Cyber/Intel and Repeat Oender units that ensure
we’re utilizing the most modern policing techniques
available.
As a new leader will soon take command of the
department, and with our outstanding leaders and
professionals, we will continue to make the Tuscaloosa
Police Department the best in the land.
D
R
U
I
D
C
I
T
Y
1
8
1
9
T
U
S
C
A
L
O
O
S
A
Mitford E. Tubbs
Interim Chief
4
The Mission and History of TPD
Mission
Our mission is to serve all people within our jurisdiction
with respect, fairness and compassion. We are devoted
to the prevention of crime, the protections of life and
property and the preservation of peace, order and
safety.
History
In 1843, the City of Tuscaloosa passed an ordinance
establishing a paid police force called the City Guard.
Today, Tuscaloosa Police Department is authorized
for 295 sworn ocers, with an additional 16 sworn
auxiliary ocers and 75 civilian support personnel.
Tuscaloosa Police Department serves a city with
an estimated population of 101,113 citizens in a
jurisdictional area that spans more than 70 square
miles.
5
Command Sta
Mitford E. Tubbs
Interim Chief
Ronnie G. Dunn
Assistant Chief
6
Command Sta Directory
Major Clay Gibbs
Patrol Administration
Captain Je
Hargrave
Patrol Division
Commander
Captain Gary Leddo
Trac Division
Commander
Lieutenant Teena
Richardson
PIO/Crime Prevention
Commander
Captain D.H.
Clark
Headquarters Commander West Precinct Commander
Lieutenant Brent
Blankley
Municipal Security Unit
Commander
Leiutenant Don
Thompson
Communications Division
Commander
Captain Melvin
R. Green
Captain Clint Davis
Downtown Precinct
Commander
Lieutenant Darren
Beams
East Precinct CommanderCode Enforcement
Division Commander
Lieutenant Chris
James
Helicopter Division
Commander
Captain Steve Rice
Training Division
Commander
Ocer Lillie
Leatherwood
Director of Police Athletic
League
Criminal Investigation
Division Commander
Captain Brad Mason
Director of Cyber
Intelligence Unit
Mr. Darren Barnes
Captain Anthony
Smith
Juvenile Division
Commander
Mr. Mike Lane
Police Fleet Maintenance
Manager
Narcotics Task Force
Commander
Ms. Sherry Allen
Records Division Manager
Captain Wayne
Robertson
Captain Kip Hart
Repeat Oender Unit
Commander
Violent Crimes Unit
Assistant Commander
Captain Marty
Sellers
Captain Phil
Simpson
7
TPD by Division
Cyber Intelligence Unit
The Cyber Intelligence Unit (CIU), established in 2019,
includes sworn and non-sworn personnel. The mission
of the CIU is to improve public safety by leveraging the
latest technology to prevent crime, solve cases and
serve as a force multiplier for ocers and investigators
in the field. The CIU seeks to make our citizens,
neighborhoods and businesses safer by building public/
private partnerships that enable cooperative community
policing and to increase the forward-leaning, proactive
posture of our department through the ethical
and ecient gathering, analysis and reporting of
intelligence.
In keeping with this mission to improve public safety by
leveraging technology, the Cyber Intelligence Unit aims
to achieve four main strategic objectives:
1
Deliver actionable, real-time intelligence and
situational awareness to ocers in the field
2
3
4
Provide mobile and digital forensic capability to
TPD’s investigative units
Produce timely, accurate and comprehensive
intelligence reports to support operations
Build relationships with the community trough
public/private partnerships
8
Public Information Ocer
The Public Information and Community Relations
Ocer (PIO) is responsible for creating and enabling
communications betweens TPD and both news media
outlets and the general public. It is the responsibility of
the PIO to ensure any statements released to the press
and the public follow departmental guidelines, are
accurate and adhere to ocial policy and laws. The PIO
is responsible for activities related to crime prevention
and community outreach, coordinates the Tuscaloosa
County Crime Stopppers Program, Tuscaloosa Police
Department’s internship program and Citizens’ Ride-
Along program.
Records Division
The Records Division is responsible for processing
scanning, storing and disseminating all law
enforcement reports. They maintain documents related
to court orders, subpoenas and Youthful Oender cases.
The Records Division is responsible for submitting
documentation to the National Based Reporting System
for statistical measures for the state and to research
and prepare documents in response to open records
requests.
Police Fleet Maintenance
In 2019, the Tuscaloosa Police Department consisted
of over 450 pieces of equipment, ranging from lawn
equipment, ATVs, boats, cars and light and heavy-duty
trucks. The Police Fleet Maintenance garage completed
994 work orders, ranging from minor to major repairs.
They completed 635 work orders for preventative
maintenance, ensuring the future capabilities of all TPD
equipment.
9
The Training and Logistics Division serves a support
function in the Tuscaloosa Police Department’s mission
of enhancing the overall quality of life for citizens of
Tuscaloosa by bringing continued education to its
ocers, as well as local businesses and organizations.
The Training Division coordinates the recruit and
in-service training at TPD on modern policing
philosophies. Recruits must complete the Recruit
Preparatory Course, which prepares them for the
APOSTC Law Enforcement Academy.
TPD is one of only a handful of departments across
Alabama that provides more than the miniumum
training hours required by the Alabama Peace Ocer
Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC). The
Training Division serves as the logistics branch for
TPD, issuing equipment and uniforms to the ocers
and conducting logistic support during major planned
events and natural disasters.
Communications
The Commmuncations Division is the primary public
safety answering point for the City of Tuscaloosa.
The call-takers and dispatchers answer and dispatch
incoming 911 and non-emergency calls requiring police,
fire and medical services 24 hours a day, seven days a
week.
Categories
911 Calls
Non-emergency Calls
28,122
51,541
2018
32,890
46,941
2019
Ocer initated Calls
20,571 19,008
TOTAL
100,234 98,839
Training Division/Logistics
10
Juvenile Division
The Tuscaloosa Police Department’s Juvenile Division is
comprised of investigators and ocers who investigate
crimes in which the victims or suspects are under the
age of 18. The Juvenile Division investigates internet
crimes against children, tracking gang activity and
monitoring registered sex oenders who live and work
in the city.
Categories
Sexual Abuse Cases
Physical Abuse Cases
83
25
2018
82
7
2019
Sex Oender/Compliance
Cases
413 392
Computer Forensics/
Video Processed
75 72
Other Felonies and
Misdemeanors
1,668 1,560
School Resource and Auxiliary
Ocers
School Resource and Auxiliary police ocers work
within the Juvenile Division in the City of Tuscaloosa
limits. These ocers are specifically responsible for
maintaining a safe learning environment for our youth,
as well as investigating crimes committed on the
properties of the Tuscaloosa City School System.
11
Oce of Standards and
Integrity
The Oce of Standards and Integrity (OSI) conducts
internal investigations initiated by personnel within the
department, monitors and tracks use of force by TPD
ocers and tracks all vehicle accidents involving on-
duty ocers. The OSI administers random drug screens
to TPD employees.
OSI prepares reports and documents requested by the
Ofice of the City Attorney in response to legal actions
involving the Tuscaloosa Police Department.
Citizens’ Complaints
Founded
Unfounded
1
19
20
Internal Investigations
Founded
Unfounded
11
5
16
The Police Athletic League (PAL) is a 501(c)(3) program
that provides a safe haven for our youth. Through this
program, TPD ocers are able to help provide after-
school and summer programs that build character
and strengthen police relations with the younger
generations of our community.
Police Athletic League
12
Trac Division
The Trac Division investigates trac crashes and
enforces trac laws in the City of Tuscaloosa. The
Trac DIvision also investigates hit-and-runs, oversees
the department’s Accident Reconstruction Unit, school
crossing guards and regulated vehicles for hire. The
Trac Division also supervises the trac plans for all
major city events.
The goals for the Trac Division in 2020 are to be more
visible and issue more citations in high-crash areas to
decrease vehicle accidents.
Categories
911 Calls
Non-Emergency Calls
28,122
51,541
2018
32,890
46,941
2019
Ocer Initated Calls
20,571 19,008
The Tuscaloosa Police Department’s Helicopter Unit
consists of one full-time tactical flight ocer, five
part-time tactical flight ocers and two mechanics.
The unit logged 470 hours of flying and assisted in
approximately 480 calls for service. In addition to
assisting TPD ocers answering calls, the helicopter
unit assisted in an additional 29 calls with surrounding
agencies. Calls the helicopter unit assisted with related
to local high school and college games and special
events, including the recent presidential visit.
Helicopter Unit
13
Criminal Investigation
Division
The Criminal Investigation Division (CID) investigates
property crimes, misdemeanors and domestic violence
crimes that occur within the city limits and police
jurisdiction. CID strives daily to provide excellent
customer service. CID’s goal is to assist our victims
during the course of their investigation, to provide
information and education to local businesses
and neighborhoods and to complete a thorough
investigation to obtain justice for the victims.
CID is responsible for the processing and storage of
over 6,000 items of evidence for TPD.
Categories
Robbery
Burglary
134
576
2019
Cases
33
133
Auto Thefts 298 62
Auto Burglaries
Thefts
415
1,140
113
345
Other Crimes 5,459 268
58
204
88
261
459
577
Total
Arrests
TOTALS
8,022 954 1,647
Cases
Cleared
The Municipal Security Unit (MSU) includes both sworn
and non-sworn personnel who conduct investigations,
operate security technology, conduct threat
assesments, provide dignitary protection and oversee
special events security. The MSU is responsible for all of
the City of Tuscaloosa’s critical infrastructure.
Municipal Security Unit
14
Crime Prevention Division
The Crime Prevention Division assists in reducing the
amount of crime by taking an active approach utilizing
public awareness and education. This eort enhances
the community and bussinesses in preventative
measures to reduce crime in the City of Tuscaloosa.
West Alabama Narcotics
Division
The West Alabama Narcotics Task Force (WANTF)
is a multi-jurisdictional task force that investigates
narcotics-related crimes that occur in, or aect,
Tuscaloosa County. Partnering with federal, state,
and local law enforcement agencies, WANTF provides
drug awareness training for local schools, businesses,
churches and other civic organizations. WANTF works
with local drug prevention and awareness organizations
to provide information about substance abuse
prevention and treatment resources in the community.
Categories
Defendants
Charges
Initiated
470
748
TPD
1,221
1,869
Vehicles
Seized
4
Weapons
Seized
Cash Seized
130
$162,728
Meth Labs
0
427
688
75
WANTF TPD
Drug
Programs
1,178
876
4
193
$186,778
1
33
WANTF
2018 2019
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15
Tuscaloosa Violent
Crimes Unit
The primary mission of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes
Unity (TVCU) is the investigation of violent crimes
reported to the dierent agencies within Tuscaloosa
County. TVCU is a multi-jurisdictional unit staed by
supervisors and investigators from the Tuscaloosa
Police Department, Tuscaloosa County Sheri’s Oce,
Northport Police Department and the University of
Alabama Police Department. Six of the sixteen ocers
assigned to TVCU are members of the Tuscaloosa Police
Department.
Categories
Homicide
Investigation
Attempted Murder
8
25
TPD
Felony Assault 94
SIOD/ SIOV
Sexual Assault
Investigations
70
75
Other Death
Investigations
47
15
39
83
96
80
60
330
317
TPD
Total Felony Cases
2018 2019
428 478Total Cases Worked
11
29
TVCU
134
91
188
123
594
748
21
49
117
115
222
128
446
TVCU
818
16
The Code Enforcement Division (CED) investigates
and enforces city ordinances related to quality of
life complaints, such as overgrown vegetation,
non-operative/abandoned vehicles and litter/illegal
dumping. The CED conducts investigations related to
alcohol licensing, prositution, gambling and human
tracking. The CED consists of both sworn and non-
sworn personnel.
In 2019, Mayor Maddox created an Abatement Task
Force to address the blighted areas within the city.
CED ocers investigated 2,37 citizens’ complaints
and conducted background checks for 109 alcohol
applicants.
Categories
311 Q-Alerts Answered
Overgrown Vegetation
2,327
1,416
2019
Litter
Non-operative Vehicles
70
371
Code Enforcement Division
Household Furnishings Outside
Recreational Vehicles
68
24
Code Violations
ABC Task Force
220
130
City Violations
Summons Served
15
26
Door-to-Door Solicitors
19
Alcohol Licenses Provided
Soliciting Prostitution
109
70
Human Tracking
Promoting Prostitution
0
2
Other Felonies and Misdemeanors
Weapons Seized
29
1
Money Seized
Programs
$1,020
21
17
Patrol Division
The Patrol Division is the largest division within the
Tuscaloosa Police Department. The Patrol Division
works from four locations: Headquarters, Downtown,
East, and West Precincts. While Headquarters is the
administrative center for the police department, the
East Precinct is the base of operations for the Patrol
Commander.
Categories
Calls Answered 99,930
2018
98,627
2019
Trac Stops 10,969 11,006
Misdemeanor Arrests
Felony Arrests
3,377
426
2,770
413
Felony Apprehensions 550 512
Trac Citations
Parking Citations
4,410
983
4,585
878
E-Crash 4,271 4,462
Writs Served
Reports Taken
2,352
22,914
2,462
22,203
Miles Driven 796,339 798,301
Agency Assists 263 306
Categories
East Precinct 50.5
% of all calls
West Precinct 49.5
Highest Volume Beat 19.2Beat 8
Lowest Volume Beat 6.2Beat 3
Most Active Day 15.2Friday
Least Active Day 13.2Sunday
Most Active Hour 6.415:00
Least Active Hour 1.404:00
Midnight Shift
25.3
Day Shift 31.7
Evening Shift
43
18
The Big Five
Burglary 1,185
2012
1,169
2013
UB & E 750 867
Robbery
Auto Theft
173
195
165
121
Homicide 7 10
1,469
2010
1,249
2011
979 850
189
167
197
182
8 3
797
2016
829
2017
824 1,116
178
199
166
189
144 10
1,053
2014
1,129
2015
811 827
176
167
193
166
10 7
746
2018
743
2019
1,210 1,131
143
310
204
428
8 15
Ten Year Comparison of Crime Data
Burglary 27
Beat 3
53
Beat 4
UB & E
2 13Robbery
Auto Theft 8
49
43
139
Homicide 0 0
29
Beat 1
106
Beat 2
10 33
30
51
65
95
1 6
134
Beat 7
138
Beat 8
31 52
62
191
86
235
2 1
124
Beat 5
101
Beat 6
29 27
85
211
63
146
1 2
Burglary
10
District 3
43
District 4
UB & E
32 49
Robbery
Auto Theft
0
3
0
11
Homicide
53 129
54
District 1
88
District 2
87 134
5
28
4
30
121 233
115
District 7
155
2
52
183
44
District 5
65
District 6
117 0
1
34
0
15
185 131
TOTAL 98 232295 489 507381 247
TOTAL 86 248121 305 420 512450 339
TOTAL 2,310 2,3322,812 2,481 2,012 2,3102,217 2,322 2,417 2,521
Cases by Police Beat
Cases by Council District
19
TPD By the Numbers
Cars Stolen
428
Reports Taken
23,374
Miles Driven
798,301
Calls Recieved
98,839
8,864
Accidents
Investigated
6,128
Arrests Made
4,403
4,169 Adults
234 Juveniles
Firearms Reported
Stolen
422
more than 300 from
unlocked vehicles
Trac Citations
Issued
20
TPD in Focus
Employee Highlights
Sergeant Severn “Sebo” Sanders has been with the
Tuscaloosa Police Department for 23 years. Sgt. Sanders is
one of two sergeants in the Trac Division. He is married to
Investigator Candra Sanders of the Juvenile Division. They
have three children and one grandchild. Sgt. Sanders is
well-respected in the community and the police department.
He serves as the local Fraternal Order of Police president,
Captain of the TPD Basketball Team and he puts on a very
successful youth basketball camp annually.
Sgt. Sanders has filled several roles at hte police department:
Commander of the Charlie Unit, Narcotics Agent with
WANTF, and Patrol Supervisor. He is currently the First-Line
supervisor with the Trac Division. In his leisure time, Sgt.
Sanders loves traveling with his family and riding his Harley.
Sergeant Severn Sanders
Investigator Jason McKee has been with the Tuscaloosa
Police Department for nine years. Prior to joining the
Tuscaloosa Police Department, Jason served in the U.S.
Marine Corps. Investigator McKee and his wife have two
children. He enjoys spending time with his family and
hunting. Investigator McKee has been in the Violent Crimes
Unit for a year.
In 2019, Investigator McKee was the lead investigator on
90 cases with an approximate 90% clearance rate. Twenty
were cleared by arrest, including two murders. Before
being assigned to VCU, McKee was assigned to the Criminal
Investigation Division and Patrol Divison, where he started
building on his foundation for becoming a VCU investigator.
Investigator Jason McKee
21
Ivestigator David Jones is a native of Birmingham, AL. After
graduating from West End High School, he enlisted in the
U.S. Marine Coprs and subsequently stationed at Camp
Pendelton, CA. While in the Marines, Jones traveled to
Japan, Korea, the Phillipines and Australia. He joined the
Tuscaloosa Police Department in 2003.
In 2006, Investigator Jones was assigend to the Juvenile
Division as an investigator. Jones has three children. He
enjoys spending time with his kids and his fiancée, playing
basketball, running, hiking and traveling. Jones also owns
and manages several rental properties.
Investigator David Jones
Operator Remechia Cleark has worked in TPD Dispatch
for over ten years. She has two sons, both of whom are
students at Alabama A&M, with one of them participating
as a member in the band. Cleark is an active member of the
Band Boosters for the college and enjoys helping with band
fundraisers and working the tailgating tent. Cleark also
enojys reading books across a variety of genres, with her
favorite being suspense thrillers. She loves to travel with her
family, paint and read every book written by Mary Higgins-
Clark.
In between Cleark’s hectic work schedule, she still finds time
to give back to her community. She enhances her community
by picking up trash in her neighborhood and helps out with
her neighbors’ yard work. Cleark and her family have created
an annual event of giving by hosting a backpack event in
Clarksdale, MS over the last few years. Cleark has also
started painting again. She enjoys this and says, “It calms
her spirit” before she goes to bed.
Remechia Cleark
22
Remembering a Fallen Angel
Investigator Dornell Cousette
Investigator Dornell Cousette, a loving father to two beautiful
daughters, Lydia and Sylvia, and fiancée to Celita McCaskill,
started his career with the Tuscaloosa Police Department on
April 3, 2006, with the Patrol Division. After several years of
demonstrating his skills and perseverance, he was assigned
to the Juvenile Division on August 8, 2010. While in the
Juvenile Division, Investigator Cousette displayed growth,
flourishing to become one of their noted investigators. His
work also included several part-time assignments; Bike
Patrol, School Resource Ocer and Honor Guard.
Cousette was dedicated to a life of service: first to Christ,
then in the United States Army and lastly to the Tuscaloosa
Police Department. Investigator Cousette received numerous
honors and awards, to include three Claude Bates Awards
for Outstanding Juvenile Ocer of the Year, four Chief’s
Awards and countless Ocer Awards for his hard work
and dedication to the citizens of Tuscaloosa. Investigator
Cousette was also the recipient of the revered Medal
of Honor and Police Cross for his service to the City of
Tuscaloosa.
On September 16, 2019, in an untimely death in the line of
duty, Investigator Cousette was fatally shot in the line of duty
and a city came together to mourn a hero and to recognize
the legacy that he left.
Thank you, “354,” for your service to the citizens of
Tuscaloosa and the Tuscaloosa Police Department.
EOW: September 16, 2019
23
In Memoriam
Warren Bennett passed away on September 6, 2019, after
working for the Tuscaloosa Police Department for 11 years.
Bennett worked in Patrol, CID and was a member of the
Major Crimes Response Unit (MCRU). In 2014, he received
a Chief’s Award. His wife Amy, who works for the police
department in the Records Division,said Bennett became
a police ocer because of his desire to help people and
to make a dierence in his community. Amy said that her
husband’s favorite part about being a police ocer was
mentoring and helping new ocers. In his free time, he
enjoyed spending time with his family and watching Braves
baseball.
Ocer Warren Bennett, thank you for your service.
Ocer Warren Bennett
David Lamar Martin, a father of three children, passed
away on December 20, 2019. Martin’s life of service
includes 28 years with the Tuscaloosa Police Department
and an additional 18 years serving in the Army National
Guard. Throughout his career with the Tuscaloosa Police
Department, Martin received numerous awards, letters of
recognition and medals for his dedication to this county.
These awards include the Purple Heart and Meritorious
Service Medal. During his career with the Tuscaloosa Police
Department, Martin was assigned to the Patrol Division,
Code Enforcement Division, Readiness and Preparedness
Group (RPG) and the Helicopter Unit. Martin had an excellent
eye for detail and enjoyed serving this city.
Ocer David Martin, thank you for your service.
Ocer David Martin
24
2019 Retirees
D. McKinstry
31 Years of Service
A. Conner
25 Years of Service
J. R. Earnest
26 Years of Service
A. G. Heritage
25 Years of Service
W. L. Johnston
23 Years of Service
S. R. Nichols
25 Years of Service
25
2019 Awards and Honors
Medal of Valor
J. Lake
C. Fowler
J. DeTrujillo
D. Albright
D. Cousette
C. Little
S. Fonte
J. Lake
A. Cain
J. Makemson
J. Cole
J. Olvey
J.R.C. Smith
C. Little
S. Fonte
J. Johnston
D. Roach
J. Senkbeil
J. Price
J. Curvin A. Albaradei
J. McKee
T. Lee
S. Ridley
M. Azwell
D. Burroughs
Ocer’s Award
S.B. Jones
R. Baygents
B. Windham
Unit Citation
Criminal Investigation
Division
Honor Guard
Juvenile Division
Violent Crimes Unit
Chief’s Conduct Ribbon
M. PowellL. Chronister
Medal of Honor
D. Cousette
Police Cross
D. Cousette
Narcotics Agent of the Year
B. Flowers
TCOS
Cassandra Wesley’s
Investigator of the Year
J. Curvin
Claude D. Bates SRO of the Year
R. Darling
Juvenile Investigator of the Year
D. Cousette
Fraternal Order of Police
Ocer of the Year
C. Sanders
Supervisor Leadership Award
Exchange Club Ocer of the Year
W. Kempster
26
S. Anderson
Chief
M. Baygents
Sergeant
C. Burns
Sergeant
R. Canez
Lieutenant
L. Chronister
Sergeant
H. Clark
Captain
D. Emerson
Lieutenant
W. Gore
Sergeant
J. Johnston
Corporal
S. B. Jones
Lieutenant
T. Kabiru
Corporal
D. Kersetter
Corporal
R. Morgan
Sergeant
J. Patrick
Sergeant
M. Powell
Lieutenant
S. Rice
Captain
M. Sellers
Captain
S. R. Smith
Corporal
D. Steward
Sergeant
D. Terry
Corporal
B. Windham
Sergeant
D. Bigham
J. Castleberry B. CulpepperC. Freeman
T. Gregg
C. Fowler
J. Hunt
J. Makemson J. MasonK. Holloway
J. Lake B. Martin
K. Nation
M. Melendez
D. Rickett J. SextonJ. Price
J. Senkbeil K. Foster-Poole
C. Fowler
R. Roach J. VandiverJ. Rich J. Toxey
The Fit for Duty Challenge, conducted annually, tests
ocers’ fitness and marksmanship and recognizes
those who perform at an exceptional level. Qualification
requires the successful passing of the voluntary TPD
Fitness Test with either a basic or advance score. Ocers
must also qualify with their pistol, earning the distinction
of sharpshooter or expert.
- Paul W. “Bear” Bryant
It is not the will to win, but
the will to prepare to win that
makes the dierence.
Fit for Duty Challenge 2019
27
The mission of the Citizens’ Academy is to increase
understanding between citizens and the police through
education and making it easier for police and citizens to find
realistic solutions to neighborhood problems. Participants
have the opportunity to meet and interact with the ocers
of the police department to get a real glimpse of life in law
enforcement.
The TPD Citizens’ Academy is an eight- week program
conducted once per year. It is designed to provide Tuscaloosa
residents, as well as those who work in Tuscaloosa,
firsthand information about the structure, training, and
policies of the police department. Attendants participate in
hands-on training segments covering crime scene processing
as well as self-defense and firearms training. Attendants
also have the opportunity to explore controversial topics
in depth, such as the use of force, armed confrontations,
pursuit policies, protest response and the use of TASERs and
OC spray.
The annual academy session begins in February each year.
Classes are held every Monday evening from 6 PM to 9
PM for 8 weeks. Attendants must also attend one Ride-
Along and a Saturday class for successful completion of the
course. This course is oered completely free of charge.
Participants must be at least 21 years old. Applications open
on December 2
nd
and must be submitted prior to January
1
st
. Applications can be picked up at the front desk of the
Tuscaloosa Police Department or can be filled out online at
tuscaloosa.com/pd.
Understanding Through Education
Citizens’ Police Academy
28
Police Department Support Group
29
2019 was a busy, yet humbling year for the Tuscaloosa Police
Department Support Group (TPDSG). The TPDSG was called
to provide services after the line-of-duty death of Investigator
Cousette. From helping organize and distribute meals to
ocers during the funeral to helping provide Christmas gifts
for Inv. Cousette’s children during the holidays and assisting
with his fiancé’s closing costs on a new home, TPDSG has
strived to let the family know we are here for them.
In 2019, the TPDSG helped with meals and chores for ocers
with newborns, served hot and cold drinks to ocers during
football season, participated in community events such as
Trunk or Treat where we donated time and goodies to give
back to our community, catered Thanksgiving Day meals
for all of patrol and the Communications Division, sent out
countless condolences for Line of Duty Deaths nationwide
and made available Christmas stocking gifts for all families
of TPD.
Much of the support was done through the generosity of
current and retired TPD ocers as well as the community,
by providing food, equipment or monetary donations. The
TPDSG could not provide services without this support.
The TPDSG is available to support the families of TPD and
Retirees and can be reached at (251) 327-0500.
We appreciate your help, which allows us to help our men
and women in blue.
Providing Support via Resources,
Knowledge and Community
Farewell TPD,
It is dicult for me to find the words to express my love and
respect for you. I appreciate having had the opportunity
to serve the citizens of Tuscaloosa alongside you for
the past 25 years. Thank you for your professionalism,
commitment, dedication and support during this journey.
We accomplished so much as a team in our time together; I
know those achievements were the result of your hard work
and talents, and I was fortunate to have been supported by
your combined excellence. You have my deepest gratitude
for allowing me to serve with you and for allowing me to be
your Chief.
You helped shape my career in ways I may not even fully
recognize until later in life. For that, and for so much more,
I sincerely thank you. The friendships I came to know as a
member of the TPD were one of the most cherished aspects
of my career and something that I’ve valued tremendously
over the years.
It has been the greatest privelege of my professional life to
count myself amongst you and to count myself a member of
this extraordinary family. Whatever the future may bring, I
will always be able to say that I was one of you.
The Tuscaloosa Police Department will always hold a special
place in my heart. I am forever a part of TPD and TPD will
forever be a part of me. Thank you for everything you did
for me and for everything you continue to do for our greater
community. I wish you all the success in the world.
Stay safe.
D
R
U
I
D
C
I
T
Y
1
8
1
9
T
U
S
C
A
L
O
O
S
A
Steven D. Anderson
Former Chief
Farewell from Chief Anderson
30