Police Department

FOR EMERGENCIES CALL 911 OR 251.580.2559

To report suspicious activities or a crime, email our tip-line at tips@cityofbayminetteal.gov. 

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 Mission Statement

The principle mission of the Bay Minette Police Department is the protection of life and property, the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders, and the preservation of peace and order.

In order to achieve our mission, members of the Bay Minette Police Department must maintain the confidence and respect of the public. This is achieved by receiving the highest quality of training available in law enforcement today and through constant and earnest efforts of all departmental employees to perform their duties in an efficient, honest, and professional manner by exemplary conduct in all their endeavors.

Office of the Chief of Police

Professional Biography

Interim Chief Jimmy D. Stracener brings over 14 years of dedicated law enforcement experience to the Bay Minette Police Department. His commitment to public service began with the  Gateswood Volunteer Fire Department, where he developed a sense of duty to his community partnerships, and ensuring a safe and vibrant city for all.

Chief Stracener began his law enforcement career with the Bay Minette Police Department as a patrol officer. Through professionalism, leadership, and consistent dedication, he advanced through the ranks to the position of lieutenant before being appointed Interim Chief of Police.

Throughout his career, Chief Stracener has served on a multi-jurisdictional task force and is currently assigned to the Baldwin County Major Crimes Unit, where he continues to collaborate with regional partners to ensure justice and enhance public safety across jurisdictional lines.

Chief Stracener is a proud graduate of the FBI National Academy, Session 292, an accomplishment that reflects his commitment to leadership, ethical policing, and professional development at the highest level.

As Interim Chief, Stracener remains focused on strengthening community partnerships, advancing officer training and technology, and upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability. His leadership is rooted in service, collaboration, and an unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Bay Minette.

Letter from the Interim Chief

It is a profound honor to serve as the Interim Chief of Police for the City of Bay Minette. Having proudly served this community for fourteen years, I am deeply humbled by the trust that has been placed in me. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to our citizens, the Mayor, and the City Council for their continued confidence and support.

I firmly believe that effective policing is built on mutual trust, transparency, and strong community partnerships. In the weeks and months ahead, our focus will remain on strengthening that foundation of enhancing community engagement, listening to the concerns of our residents, and ensuring clear and open communication at every level.

As our city continues to grow, so will our commitment to excellence. This department’s professionalism, integrity and accountability will remain the core values that guide every member of this department. Together, we will continue to provide the high level of service our community expects and deserves, while building a safer and stronger Bay Minette for everyone.

About our Police Department

 The City of Bay Minette, with its 8,000 residents, is served by a full-service police department consisting of 26 police officers, one animal control officer and nine support personnel to carry out the day-to-day operations of the department.

It is the fundamental duty of the police department to serve the community, to protect those in need, and to vigorously pursue those who commit crimes. Our employees carry out their sworn duties with honor, integrity, and love for the heritage of our community.

The Bay Minette Police Department’s fleet of cars bear a familiar color scheme as the city works to streamline the look of its police force.

When selecting a design, several ideas were submitted and the council chose one that included a black car with orange stripes and lettering, which matches the city seal and corresponds with the colors of Baldwin County High School.

Units and Programs

Patrol Division

The Patrol Division is overseen by the Captain of Uniform Personnel. The patrol division is the backbone of the police department and is responsible for the initial response to calls for service throughout the community. Officers assigned to the Patrol Division work 12-hour shifts.

The Division consists of 4 Shift Sergeants. Each Shift Sergeant supervises a Corporal and several Police Officers.

Investigative Division

The Investigative Division consists of the Lieutenant of Investigations and 3 investigators.

 These officers are responsible for conducting investigations of major crimes within the city and work cooperatively with other outside agencies to resolve crimes and criminal activity that directly affect residents and other stakeholders in the City of Bay Minette.

Animal Control Officer

251.580.2559 

The Animal Control Officer (ACO) has primary responsibility to investigate allegations of animal abuse, cruelty to animals, and animal nuisance within the City of Bay Minette.

The ACO also works with outside public service agencies and private partnerships to insure that complaints of animal abuse, cruelty, or animal nuisances are fully investigated and handled with care and compassion for the animals consistent with the goal of public safety.   

Communications and Records

The Communications and Records Division is supervised by a Communications/Records Supervisor who oversees the daily operations of the department’s dispatching and records keeping functions. The division is comprised of a supervisor, 6 radio dispatchers, and 1 records clerk.

Bay Minette PD’s Communications and Records Division uses the most advanced equipment available to law enforcement today. The radio system utilizes a digital format with multi-agency interoperability and computer-aided dispatch functions. All communications into and out of the dispatch room are recorded on digital voice recorders that are easily stored and retrievable on a secure hard drive.

The records keeping function is supported by a computer-based records management system that is state-of-the-art and is accessible from anywhere in the world by internet. Police officers and other employees entering information into the records database can do so by laptop computer utilizing either a hardwired internet connection or wireless internet. This allows the police department to reduce paperwork and cut overall costs associated with storing documents and performing data processing functions. In addition, the system makes all reports and other information that is entered into the records management system immediately accessible, which is especially important for use in real-time crime analysis.

Bay Minette Police Department has four School Resource Officers stationed on school campuses. Funded by the Baldwin County Board of Education, the SRO program is a partnership between the school system, local municipalities and the Baldwin County Commission. Prior to this partnership, the City of Bay Minette self-funded one School Resource Officer.

The School Resource Officers are sworn police officers that serve as problem solvers, youth advocates, school and community liaisons, mentors, counselors, classroom instructors and positive role models. Along with the benefit of police presence being readily available when needed, these Resource Officers will help the Police Department by eliminating the necessity of calling an officer off the road and into the school should an issue occur.

In 2022, the School Resource Officer (SRO) Unit was recognized as Best in the State with the 2022 SRO Team Award, presented by the Alabama Association of School Resource Officer.  The SRO team was surprised with the award presentation during the group’s annual conference held at the Orange Beach Conference Center. School Resource Officers from across the state took part in the conference and several local school officials and family members were also on hand to surprise the team during the award presentation.

In recent years, the SRO team has developed the Hourglass project which coordinates special summer activities with selected students including fishing and hunting trips as well as educational opportunities such as college tours. The team also sets up informational booths at community events throughout the year and continually takes part in training courses to learn how to better serve our schools and community. The SRO team also spearheads the annual Shop with a Cop project at Christmas which provides a holiday shopping experience with local youth. The School Resource Officers hosts a dunking booth fundraiser which raises funds for the Baldwin County Special Olympics.

The SRO Unit was also recognized at the Baldwin County Board of Education regular meeting for its community outreach programs, Hourglass Program, Shop with a Cop program, their involvement in the Baldwin County Special Olympics, and Baldwin Chapter of the Alabama Law Enforcement Torch Run. 

Applicants for entry level Police Officer positions must be at least 21 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED from an accredited school. Applicants must pass a background check, oral interview, a physical ability/agility test, and a written exam. Successful candidates must also pass a psychological exam, polygraph, and general physical examination. If hired, candidates must also pass a 12-week police academy and successfully complete a 12-week field training program.

Applicants for lateral entry positions must pass a background check and oral interview.

Applicants for all other positions must hold a high school diploma or GED from an accredited school and pass a written exam and oral interview.

The City of Bay Minette is an equal opportunity employer.