Alabama police officers

The Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday approved enhanced legal protections for law enforcement officers. Representatives voted 75-26 for the bill that is backed by Republican Gov. Kay Ivey. The bill now moves to the Alabama Senate.

A small Alabama city has been roiled by accusations that the local police department has a “rampant culture of corruption.” The residents of Hanceville, Alabama, flooded the city council on Thursday for a polarized debate over whether to disband the department altogether.

Alabama lawmakers are advancing a bill that would make it harder to sue police who use excessive or lethal force. Sponsors of the bill said the legislation will increase officer recruitment and improve officer safety.

A bipartisan coalition in Alabama has come together to endorse a public safety package that would ban devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns. The group of mayors, lawmakers and law enforcement marks a rare consensus on gun restrictions and a departure from years of conflict about how to stem gun violence.

Gov. Kay Ivey is unveiling her public safety package for the State of Alabama, promised in her State of the State address. The public safety legislation, which is meant to support law enforcement and combat inner city gun violence, will be dubbed the "Safe Alabama" package.

Gov. Kay Ivey has ordered flags to remain lowered at half-staff in honor of Lt. Mark Meadows of the Irondale Police Department. The police officer was killed Monday after being struck by a truck while directing traffic outside a church.

The Huntsville Police Department is promoting four Investigators, five Sergeants and two Lieutenants. The city says they will work in various positions throughout the department with both sworn and civilian personnel.

The Birmingham Police Department is moving quickly to establish a new officer recruitment and retention plan after gaining approval from the City Council. The goal of the plan is to prioritize the hiring of 172 patrol officers to achieve staffing targets in police precincts and coverage in neighborhoods.

Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin and the Birmingham Police Department have presented their recommended officer recruitment and retention plan. The city reports the plan will prioritize the hiring of 172 patrol officers to achieve staffing targets in police precincts and coverage in neighborhoods.

Research shows the stressors police officers encounter daily can lead to a significantly reduced life expectancy, sometimes 10-15 years shorter. Stress, anxiety and disrupted sleep patterns are just a few of the stressors that can impact the physical and emotional well-being of police officers.