N※N

Jason Thrash Sworn In as Alexander City Police Chief

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2026/02 .. ash-sworn-in-as-alexander-city-police-chief.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 12:17 GMT by WSFA
      Locales: Alabama, UNITED STATES

Alexander City, AL - February 8th, 2026 - A new era has begun for the Alexander City Police Department (ACPD) with Jason Thrash officially sworn in as the city's new Police Chief. The transition of power, following the retirement of Steven Fuller, occurred yesterday, marking the culmination of a meticulous selection process and signaling a potential shift in departmental strategy.

Fuller, who served as chief for the past six years, formally stepped down on November 30th, 2025. His tenure saw a period of relative stability for the ACPD, though challenges regarding community policing and resource allocation were consistently highlighted in city council meetings. Fuller expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Alexander City community and wished Thrash well in leading the department forward. He emphasized the strong relationships built with local businesses and residents during his time, hoping those connections will continue to benefit the city.

Jason Thrash, the incoming chief, comes to Alexander City with a decorated 18-year career in law enforcement. While details regarding his previous roles were initially limited, further investigation reveals Thrash served as Deputy Chief for the Prattville Police Department for the last five years. His work in Prattville was largely focused on implementing data-driven policing strategies, significantly reducing property crime rates by 14% within three years. He also spearheaded a community outreach program called "Coffee with a Cop," fostering improved relationships between officers and the citizens they serve. This focus on community engagement is expected to be a key element of Thrash's leadership in Alexander City.

The selection process, led by a committee comprised of city council members and community stakeholders, was described as 'rigorous' by Mayor Tonya Hayes. The committee evaluated a diverse pool of candidates, prioritizing experience in modern policing techniques, leadership qualities, and a commitment to transparency and accountability. Hayes stated, "Chief Thrash embodies all of these qualities. We are confident he will build upon the foundation laid by Chief Fuller and lead the ACPD into the future."

Sources within the department suggest that one of Thrash's immediate priorities will be addressing the concerns surrounding police response times in the western sector of Alexander City. Recent data indicates response times in that area are consistently higher than the city average, a fact that has prompted complaints from residents. Thrash has already indicated his intention to conduct a thorough assessment of resource allocation and potentially implement a new patrol strategy to address this issue. He's also committed to increasing the visibility of officers in the community, believing a proactive presence is crucial for crime prevention.

Beyond response times, community leaders are hoping Thrash will focus on strengthening trust between the police department and the city's youth. A recent survey conducted by the Alexander City High School student government revealed that a significant percentage of students feel disconnected from law enforcement and perceive officers as being 'unapproachable.' Thrash has spoken publicly about the importance of early intervention programs and is reportedly exploring the possibility of partnering with local schools to implement mentorship initiatives and educational workshops.

The transition comes at a pivotal moment for Alexander City. The city has experienced modest economic growth in recent years, attracting new businesses and residents. However, this growth has also been accompanied by an increase in certain types of crime, particularly petty theft and vandalism. Balancing economic development with public safety will be a key challenge for Chief Thrash and the ACPD in the years to come.

Thrash's appointment is also being viewed as a step towards modernizing the Alexander City Police Department. He is a strong advocate for equipping officers with the latest technology, including body-worn cameras and advanced data analytics tools. While the implementation of these technologies will require significant investment, city officials believe they are essential for improving police accountability and enhancing investigative capabilities.