18 New Officers Join Birmingham Police; Largest Graduating Class Since 2020
Birmingham Police Department has welcomed fresh 18 recruits to their ranks, marking their largest graduating class since 2020. The officers graduated from the Birmingham Police Training Academy on last Friday.
A Profession of Service
Police Chief Scott Thurmond expressed his satisfaction with the newest members of his department. “This is a profession of service. You have got to be willing to serve and give your best to the citizens of Birmingham. I think we found those people,” said Thurmond.
One of the freshly minted officers is Jessyka Patterson. Law enforcement runs in her blood, with two uncles serving as officers in Chicago and a third in Montgomery. “It felt like I accomplished something that really back when I was younger I thought I’d never be able to accomplish,” said Patterson, who joined BPD out of a desire to be part of the solution in the city she loves. “I want to change the culture. Bridge the gap between us and the community and make it safe,” said Patterson.
Recruitment and Hiring
While the Chief did not disclose the current staffing situation within BPD, earlier this year Birmingham City Council President Darrell O’Quinn addressed the issue, stating that out of 720 budgeted positions, 296 were vacant. To combat this, BPD has significantly ramped up its recruitment efforts, with two dedicated teams concentrating their focus on hiring new officers.
New recruits receive a series of benefits, including a $5,000 sign-on bonus, an educational incentive scheme, comprehensive medical benefits and insurance, full pay during their time at the academy, and a 20-year retirement plan.
Appealing to Younger Generation
The department is notably the only law enforcement agency in Alabama that hires at the age of 19, marking their attempt to appeal to a younger demographic. “Just thinking outside of the box. As time evolves, we have to evolve to be more competitive in the job market, against other law enforcement agencies.” noted Thurmond.
The graduating class also includes older recruits, with Marvin Jones, a 53-year-old puling double duty by earning his badge and the winning the physical fitness award.
Training and Future Outlook
In accordance with state law, each recruit is required to complete 560 hours of training. Those in the Birmingham Police Department must also complete an additional 320 hours. Having graduated from the academy, the new officers will now spend 16 weeks working with a field training officer.
“What is a good police officer? That could be anybody. Is their heart in it? Is it their calling? Do they have the right mentality? That’s what we are looking for,” concluded Thurmond.
