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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Members of the Alabaster Senior Center were recently treated to a tour of the new state-of-the-art Alabaster Police Department and got to see the various tools officers use to keep the city safe.

Cpl. John St. Pierre with Alabaster Police Department guided members of the senior center on the tour on Feb. 21.

“Our tour was excellent,” Senior Center Director Stacy Payton said. “Cpl. John St. Pierre did a fantastic job, and everyone we met was very welcoming. We all learned so much, and we appreciate Chief (Curtis) Rigney, Mayor (Scott) Brakefield, the City Council and the entire police department for their support and duty to the city of Alabaster.”

According to Payton, members of the senior center enjoyed themselves on the tour and described it as fabulous and informative. One member said moments like this make them proud to be a resident of Alabaster.

“We were excited to take this tour because we knew that this would be a state-of-the-art facility,” Payton said. “The Alabaster Police Department is excellent, and we appreciate everything they do to keep our community safe.”

During the tour, seniors had the opportunity to interact with officers, ask questions about the various departments within the facility and gain insight into the daily operations of local law enforcement.

“The Alabaster Police Department tour with the Senior Center went exceptionally well,” St. Pierre said. “The seniors were engaged and enthusiastic throughout the entire experience.”

As the members of the senior center toured the facilities, they learned about various key aspects, including:

• Department overview: An introduction to the different departments within APD, such as patrol, investigations, and specialized units.
• Daily operations: Insight into law enforcement officers’ daily routines and responsibilities, including the challenges they face and the strategies employed to address them.
• Equipment and technology: Information about the advanced equipment, technology and tools used by officers, providing an understanding of the resources available to ensure public safety.
• Training Programs: Details about the training programs and ongoing professional development officers undergo to stay proficient in their roles.
• Community outreach: An overview of community outreach programs and initiatives to build positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.
• Emergency response procedures: Explanation of emergency response procedures and how law enforcement coordinates with other agencies to address crises effectively.
• Facility tour: A walkthrough of our building, showcasing various areas, including holding cells and other specialized units.
• Q&A session: An opportunity for the seniors to ask questions and engage in discussions with law enforcement officers, promoting an open dialogue and understanding.

St. Pierre said his overall takeaway from the tour was its positive impact on community relations.

“Overall, the tour provided a comprehensive and educational experience, helping the seniors gain a deeper appreciation for the role of law enforcement in Alabaster,” St. Pierre said. “The successful tour cultivated understanding, value and a sense of connection between the seniors and law enforcement.”

According to Payton, there was a significant amount of people excited to go on the tour and so a waitlist was created after the group reached capacity. Those on the waitlist will be going on a tour in March.

“The tour was a success, leaving the seniors with better comprehension and gratitude for the work of law enforcement while strengthening community ties between the Senior Center and APD,” St. Pierre said.