01/22/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/23/2025 14:19
Mayor Woodfin Updates Police Recruitment Efforts
BIRMINGHAM - More than 100 people have attended physical agility and abilities screenings to enter the Birmingham Police Department. Mayor Randall L. Woodfin updated the Birmingham City Council during Tuesday morning's meeting.
"We have seen a growing number of people interested in serving our city through a career in law enforcement. I am encouraged that a new generation is answering the call to serve and protect in the Birmingham Police Department," Mayor Woodfin said. "I want to thank the Birmingham City Council for partnering and approving our $16 million Birmingham Police Recruitment and Retention program in October. I encourage people interested in applying to the academy to attend the physical agility and abilities screening this Saturday."
BPD has seen a total of 111 participants attend one of three screenings since November 16, 2024 with 52 candidates advancing to the next stage. Individuals who pass the physical screening must also undergo polygraph, psychological, and medical evaluations.
In order to enter the Birmingham Police Academy, a person must first pass the physical agility and abilities screening set by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC). The final screening to qualify for the next Birmingham Police Academy class is this Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 8 a.m. The screening takes place at 401 6th Avenue South.
For people who do not pass the screening, but want to train for an upcoming screening, BPD offers the GRIT program to continue condition training. Enrollment in GRIT is voluntary.
In addition to the upcoming March 25, 2025 academy class, there are 28 recruits who began the academy on November 18.
2025 Birmingham Police Academy Schedule
March 25 to Aug 22
July 29 to January 9, 2026
November 18 to May 1, 2026
For people interested in learning more about a career with BPD, call 205.254.1712.
In addition to the current and upcoming academy, 10 new officers began their careers this month with BPD and 9 veteran officers are in the process of joining the department from other law enforcement agencies.
In October, Mayor Woodfin and BPD gained council approval for the police recruitment and retention program to increase bonuses to $10,000 for recruits and establish $2,500 quarterly bonuses for officers with the department for more than two years. The program also funds a take-home-vehicle initiative for officers, part-time reserve officers, and pre-academy hiring. The recently amended Fiscal Year 2025 operating budget also funds a 3% cost of living adjustment for all city employees, including police and fire personnel.