Executive Security
The men and women of the Executive Security Unit, just as the name implies, provide
personal security to high level officials of the State of Alabama. The role of DPS
Executive Security Agents can be similarly contrasted to that of the Secret Service
Agents who provide protection for the President and Vice-President. In addition
to being sworn officers of the Department, these seasoned veterans receive additional
training in the field of personal security. This training is comprehensive and involves
everything from specialty weapons and evasive driving techniques to the utilization
of the latest computer technology in identifying and developing information on possible
threats which affect any given principal (the term used to identify the person being
protected). Much of this training is provided by the United States Secret Service,
the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other state police agencies.
Prior to 1975, there was not a statutory requirement for the State of Alabama to
provide security for state officials, including the Governor. Governor James E.
“Big Jim’ Folsom (1947-1951, 1955-1959) was the first Alabama Governor
to have a trooper assigned to him for the purpose of providing security. Later,
during the term of Governor John Patterson (1959-1963), two troopers were assigned
to this function. Also during Governor Patterson’s administration, two guard
houses and a perimeter fence were installed at the Executive Residence to further
facilitate the providing of security. However, it was not until the assassination
attempt of Governor George Wallace, in 1972, that the need for a formalized security
unit was recognized.
On October 7, 1975, the protection of certain state officials and visiting dignitaries
became law in Alabama. Pursuant to §36-33-1 and §36-33-2, Code of Alabama, 1975,
the Department of Public Safety is charged with the duty of protecting the person
of the Governor and the First Family and the Executive Residence. Additionally,
the Department is charged with the duty of protecting those in direct line of ascension
to the Governor’s Office. These include the Lieutenant Governor, President
Pro Tem of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Attorney
General. Upon the enactment of this legislation, the Executive Security Unit operated
as a unit within the Highway Patrol Division of Public Safety. In March of 1988,
Executive Security was transferred from the Highway Patrol Division to the Alabama
Bureau of Investigation (ABI) of Public Safety and referred to as the Special Investigations/Security
Services Unit. In January 1991, Security Services was transferred from the ABI Division
to the Administrative Division. The Unit was also renamed the Executive Protection
Unit and the unit reported directly to the Department’s Assistant Director.
On April 20, 1995, the name was changed to the Executive Security Unit.
In addition to providing protection to certain persons, as required by Alabama law,
the Executive Security Unit also provides security and aids in the security of visiting
dignitaries such as foreign heads of state, visiting Governors, members of the U.S.
Congress, and other persons who have known threats against them, when charged to
do so by the Director of Public Safety.
In October 2003, the Director of Public Safety created a new and sixth division
within the Department. This division was named the Protective Services Division.
This division is comprised of the Executive Security Unit and the State Capitol
Police Unit. The creation of this unit consolidates all of Public Safety’s
personal and physical security personnel in one division for the purpose of coordination
and efficient operations.