The Tuscaloosa Police Department is committed to providing superior service to all who live, work, and visit the city of Tuscaloosa. We will execute our duties with fairness, compassion, and respect. We believe that an engaged community is a safe community. Mutual trust and strong partnerships with the public are crucial to maintaining public safety.
The Tuscaloosa Police Department will employ a well-qualified, highly-trained workforce that leverages the best technologies and ensures a department culture committed to the reduction of crime and disorder so all citizens can enjoy their daily lives free of fear.
Chief Michael Baygents
Chief Michael Baygents began his law enforcement career with the University of Alabama Police Department in 1995 before joining the Tuscaloosa Police Department in 1999. Throughout his career, he has worked in patrol, training, investigations and multiple specialized units. He has served as assistant commander for the department’s SWAT team and commander of the Criminal Investigations Division. Before being sworn in as chief of police, he led the Uniformed Services Division, overseeing patrol operations, traffic enforcement and major event planning for the City of Tuscaloosa. Chief Baygents is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice and justice administration. He was sworn in as chief on May 4, 2026.
Michael Baygents
Chief of Police
Physical Address
3801 Trevor S Phillips Ave.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401