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5 Critical Updates You Need To Know About The City Of Orange Beach Police Department (2025)

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The City of Orange Beach Police Department (OBPD) is currently undergoing a significant period of transition and development, reflecting its commitment to "serve and protect paradise" for both residents and the millions of annual visitors. As of late 2025, the department is navigating a change in leadership, major infrastructure planning, and a renewed focus on community-centric policing, all while maintaining law enforcement operations in a rapidly growing coastal community. This deep dive provides the most current and essential information on the OBPD, moving beyond general knowledge to focus on the fresh initiatives and pivotal changes shaping the future of safety in Orange Beach, Alabama.

The OBPD operates within the larger framework of Baldwin County, a region known for its beautiful Gulf Coast beaches and high seasonal tourism. Understanding the department's structure and recent activities is key to appreciating the unique challenges and successes of policing a resort city. The following sections detail the most critical and recent developments, ensuring you have the latest, most authoritative information.

The Orange Beach Police Department Leadership and Structure

The foundation of any effective law enforcement agency is its leadership and organizational structure. The Orange Beach Police Department is structured into several specialized divisions, each playing a vital role in maintaining the peace and safety of the city. Recently, the department has seen a major shift at the top.

Recent Leadership Transition: The New Interim Chief

A significant change occurred in August 2025 with the retirement of the long-serving Chief Steve Brown. Following his departure, the Orange Beach City Council appointed a new interim leader.

  • Retiring Chief: Steve Brown
  • New Interim Police Chief: Lt. David Trent Johnson
  • Date of Appointment: August 2025
  • Context: The resolution to appoint Lt. Johnson faced some opposition, notably from Council member Jeff Boyd, though it ultimately passed with a majority approval. This transition marks a new chapter for the department, with Lt. Johnson stepping up to guide the OBPD during the search for a permanent chief.

Key Divisions and Departmental Entities

The OBPD is organized to handle the diverse needs of a coastal community, from high-volume traffic enforcement during tourist season to specialized investigative work. The department is divided into several essential entities, each contributing to its overall mission:

  • Patrol Division: The most visible arm of the department, responsible for providing safety to citizens and guests through consistent enforcement of traffic laws and maintaining a strong community presence.
  • Support Services Division: A critical backend operation encompassing various functions, including corrections, training, procurement, animal control, and support services technicians.
  • Intelligence Division: This division manages tactical operations and is responsible for a key community program, Project Shield.
  • Criminal Investigations Division (CID): Handles complex investigations beyond the scope of initial patrol response.
  • Animal Control: An essential service in a residential and tourist area, managed under Support Services.

Critical Update 1: New Facility and Infrastructure Planning

To support its growing operational needs, the Orange Beach Police Department is moving forward with plans for new infrastructure. This development is crucial for enhancing the department’s efficiency and capacity.

The OBPD is currently looking to construct a new multi-purpose facility on the Justice Center campus. This facility is primarily intended to provide extra storage and support for various police operations. As the city’s population and tourism continue to expand, the need for modern, comprehensive facilities to house equipment, evidence, and administrative functions becomes paramount. This investment signals the City of Orange Beach's commitment to equipping its police force for the future.

Critical Update 2: Community Outreach and Engagement Initiatives

Modern policing emphasizes a strong relationship between the police and the community they serve. The OBPD has several active programs designed to foster this connection and increase public safety awareness.

Project Shield and Citizens Police Academy

One of the department's core community outreach efforts is Project Shield, a program managed by the Intelligence Division. While specific details of the program are proprietary to the department's strategy, its existence highlights a proactive approach to community-based intelligence and safety.

Furthermore, the OBPD actively seeks applicants for its Citizens Police Academy. This program is designed to provide the Orange Beach community with an in-depth, firsthand look at how the police department operates. By offering free classes that cover various aspects of law enforcement, the academy builds transparency, understanding, and trust between officers and the public.

Critical Update 3: Review of a High-Profile Police Call Handling

In a resort city with high visibility, police accountability is always a topic of public interest. The Orange Beach Police Department recently found itself under scrutiny regarding the handling of a sensitive incident.

The city is currently investigating how the police department managed a 2024 domestic abuse call. The incident allegedly involved a naked man attacking a woman outside Mayor Tony Kennon's second office, which is located on the south end of the city's Coastal Resources Building. This review is significant as it addresses public concerns about police procedure, transparency, and the equitable application of law, regardless of the individuals involved. The outcome of the investigation will be a key factor in shaping public perception of the department's commitment to accountability.

Critical Update 4: Crime Statistics and Public Safety Environment

Orange Beach is generally considered a safe community, a reputation the OBPD works diligently to maintain, especially given the influx of tourists. However, understanding the crime landscape is essential for residents and visitors.

According to available data, Orange Beach recorded approximately 32 violent crimes in a recent reporting period. Violent crimes, which include murder, rape, robbery, and assault, are a key metric for public safety. Property crimes, such as theft, vehicle theft, and burglary, are also tracked closely. The department’s mission to "serve and protect paradise" is directly tied to keeping these rates low, often requiring a unique policing strategy to manage the high volume of temporary visitors alongside the permanent resident base.

The focus of the Patrol Division on consistent traffic law enforcement is not just about road safety; it is a critical component of proactive crime prevention, ensuring order and security across the city's main thoroughfares and neighborhoods.

Critical Update 5: The OBPD Mission and Future Focus

The official mission of the Orange Beach Police Department is to "serve and protect paradise with unparalleled integrity, professionalism, and commitment." This mission guides all operations, from the smallest traffic stop to major criminal investigations. The recent updates highlight the department’s forward-looking focus:

  • Professionalism and Training: The Support Services Division's focus on training is crucial for maintaining a high level of professionalism among officers.
  • Strategic Growth: The new facility plan ensures the department can physically and logistically support future growth in the city.
  • Community Trust: Initiatives like the Citizens Police Academy and the public review of the 2024 incident demonstrate a commitment to transparency and community partnership.

As the department moves forward under the guidance of Interim Chief Lt. David Trent Johnson, its efforts will continue to center on balancing the needs of a small town with the demands of a major resort destination. The ongoing commitment to integrity, professionalism, and community outreach remains the bedrock of the Orange Beach Police Department's strategy for keeping the Gulf Coast safe and secure.

5 Critical Updates You Need to Know About the City of Orange Beach Police Department (2025)
city of orange beach police department
city of orange beach police department

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