Alabama adds 44 troopers in final class of Ivey administration

Forty-four new Alabama state troopers are set to begin their service this week.

The group represents the final graduating class of trainees under Governor Kay Ivey. She recognized the officers at a reception on Tuesday before their official graduation ceremony at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday.

Class 2026-B brings the total number of troopers who have graduated during Ivey’s administration to 504. These 504 officers graduated across 19 distinct classes over her tenure.

The new officers will be assigned to all seven ALEA troops across the state. Four of the graduates will join Marine Patrol, while one will work in Protective Services. Training started on May 18 for candidates without prior certification. Those who already held law enforcement credentials began their specific training on Aug. 24.

Ivey said she was proud to leave the agency with stronger laws and better support. She noted that these are the final troopers she will send into service as governor.

“With troopers as fine as Alabama’s, criminals ought to be looking over their shoulders,” Ivey said. She added that she had great confidence that the fight for a safer Alabama remains strong with these new officers joining the ranks.

ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor, who has led the agency since 2017, stated that the graduating class reflects the state's investment in law enforcement. He described the 44 troopers as a testament to a shared commitment to protecting the people of Alabama.

The administration also outlined financial changes for troopers. Starting annual pay for an ALEA trooper trainee increased from $35,589.60 in 2017 to $57,861.60. Ivey signed Senate Bill 68 to expand State Police Tier 1 retirement benefits to eligible ALEA personnel.

Highway safety figures from the governor’s office show a drop in traffic deaths. Troopers investigated crashes resulting in 520 traffic deaths in 2025, down from 566 in 2024. That 2025 figure is the lowest since 2021 for crashes investigated by troopers.

Alabama recorded 106 commercial motor vehicle fatalities in 2025, also the lowest annual total since 2021. ALEA reported that commercial vehicle fatalities dropped 24% in 2026 compared with the same period the previous year.

Commercial vehicle enforcement has included English-language proficiency requirements and a partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Since October 2025, the Motor Carrier Safety Unit has assisted ICE with the detention of 624 people for immigration violations. Troopers issued 1,110 English-language proficiency violations since Jan. 1, 2025.

Ivey signed the Highway Safety and Fairness Act to strengthen commercial driver requirements. The act makes presenting fraudulent foreign commercial driver licenses a criminal offense. She also signed updated boater safety laws and established the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit in Montgomery.