University Of Alabama Police Department Hires Former Birmingham Police Chief

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The University of Alabama Police Department (UAPD) on Tuesday announced that former Birmingham Police chief Scott Thurmond has been hired as the department's deputy chief, beginning Dec. 2.

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UA says Thurmond brings more than 25 years of policing experience to the new role, including serving as chief of the Birmingham Police Department from 2022 to 2024.

“Chief Scott Thurmond is a remarkable police leader who has served his community with dedication, professionalism and integrity for many years,” UAPD Chief John Hooks said. “He has a tremendous amount of law enforcement and public safety experience. Police leaders across the state speak highly of Chief Thurmond’s character, abilities, knowledge and commitment.”

Thurmond was chosen from a group of candidates by a hiring committee after applying for the position in August.

“It is an honor and privilege to have been selected to serve as deputy chief of The University of Alabama Police Department,” Thurmond said. “I look forward to working with the men and women of the police department as well as the faculty, staff and students of the University. The University of Alabama Police Department is an excellent police department, and I am elated to be part of the team.”

Thurmond will now assist Hooks in leading day-to-day operations and implementing goals, policies, procedures and standards.

He will also oversee field operations including the Patrol and Traffic Divisions, Off-Campus Unit, Canine Unit, special event planning, and other operational functions of the department.

Thurmond will serve as acting chief if needed.

He began his career at the Birmingham Police Department in 1998 and served in command positions in the patrol and investigative bureaus before being named chief of police in January 2022.

Thurmond is a 2023 graduate of the FBI National Executive Institute and this year received the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award for completing supervisor, command and executive leadership training.

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