Police Department

The Talladega Police Department strives to serve and protect our community each day. Through diverse community engagement initiatives, the department seeks to build stronger relationships with residents in order to better protect lives and property, prevent and reduce crime, and maintain order. 

Police Chief Diane Thomas, who was sworn in on April 25, 2022, has over 30 years of experience in law enforcement. She holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice and a master of justice administration from Faulkner University.

Chief Thomas earned the prestigious Certified Law Enforcement Executive (CLEE) designation from the State of Alabama Officers' Standards and Training Commission. She is also a graduate of FBI National Academy Session 262. She completed Leadership Autauga, IACP Women’s Leadership Institute and other professional development programs. Additionally, she has served on various boards, including Autauga County Department of Human Resources. She currently serves on the Criminal Justice Advisory Board at Jefferson State Community College. 

Chief Thomas is a past recipient of the Dr. Dorothy Height Leadership Award, the Woman of Character Luminary Award and the Crime Stopper Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award.  

She came to Talladega from the Prattville Police Department, where she served as assistant chief of police. She is helping to establish a pipeline of law enforcement professionals by serving as an adjunct professor at Faulkner University, where she instructs criminal justice students.

Chief Thomas keeps the words “I CARE” displayed on a white board in her office as a constant reminder of her commitment to our residents and visitors. The letters represent the department’s guiding principles: Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.  

She is Talladega’s first female police chief.