The Cottonwood Police Department’s exact origin is unknown. It seems there has always been a “lawman” on duty . Prior to the enactment of the Alabama Peace Officer’s Standards and Training Act in the mid 1960’s several policemen served the Town. They had little or no police training and relied mostly on brawn and street savvy. The only equipment known to have been furnished to the officer was a badge, a hat, and possibly a gun. The uniform was usually his white or blue Sunday shirt and some clean pants. The patrol car was furnished by the officer. The town owned a mechanical siren that would be moved to the current officer’s personal vehicle. There were no lights or identifying markings on the vehicle.

In 1964 the Town purchased its first patrol vehicle, a black and white Dodge sedan. A “teardrop” rotating light was mounted on the roof and decals were placed on the doors and the trunk. A year or two later a radio was installed for communicating with the Houston County Sheriff’s Dept. The Cottonwood PD was now open for business.

The 1970’s brought an upswing to the department. As with any small town, the turnover rate of police officers is high. Many men have served as Chief or Officers for the town. The retention rate for officers is still not good. Many good young men have begun their law enforcement careers in Cottonwood.

The current Chief of Police came to Cottonwood in 2004 after 20 years in law enforcement in other cities. Chief Smith is a highly trained and dedicated lawman with knowledge in all phases of police administration and functionality. With him, he brought many changes to the department as well as to the town. New programs were initiated and up to date, state of the art police equipment and practices were implemented.

The department furnishes police services to an area of 18 square miles with a jurisdictional population of near 4,000. The department handles near 5,000 calls annually.

Projects and Operations

Chief Smith, Officers Taylor, Edwards, Mercer, and Chiesey performed a walkthrough of the Cottonwood School Parking lot. Officers found in plain view cigarettes in one vehicle and marijuana in a second vehicle. Arrested for Possession of Marijuana II Degree was Stanley Alex Famer, age 18, of Cottonwood.

Officers are investigating two residential burglaries. The fall and winter see a increase in property crimes, especially burglary.

The Alabama Municipal Insurance Company performed their annual audit of the Cottonwood Police Department. No issues of concern were identified.

Officer Gary Edwards investigated an unlawful breaking and entering a motor vehicle. Office Edwards obtained a warrant for Gregory Quattlebaum of Cottonwood who was arrested on the charge.

On September 9, 2011 Officers Taylor and Grant rescued a citizen from a burning residence. During the rescue a back draft occurred with the resultant explosion blowing the Officers off a porch some 10-15 feet onto a hard surface. Both Officers received concussions but appeared to recover. During mid-November Officer Taylor experienced medical issues resulting from the explosion. Officer Taylor is on extended medical leave because of the injury with an unknown prognosis.

Monthly Activity

Calls for Service 161

Reports Written 8

Traffic Warnings Issued 52

Traffic Citations Issued 7

Arrests Made 5

Traffic Warrants 2

Drug Arrests 1

Felonies 0

Misdemeanors 2

Auxiliary Hours 22