City of Tuscaloosa Holds Police Chief Swearing-In Ceremony

The City of Tuscaloosa held a swearing-in ceremony for the new Chief of Police, Michael Baygents, on Monday, May 4, at 11 a.m.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and Chief of Police Michael Baygents spoke during the ceremony.

"Chief Michael Baygents is a true embodiment of what the Tuscaloosa Police Department represents. After a competitive application pool amid a nationwide search, I am confident that Chief Baygents has what it takes to successfully transition our police department into this next chapter."

Baygents bring 26 years of experience with the Tuscaloosa Police Department, in which he has served in a wide range of leadership and operational roles.

A Central High School graduate, Baygents began his law enforcement career with the University of Alabama Police Department before joining TPD in 1999. Over the course of his career, Baygents has worked in patrol training, investigations and specialized units, including the department's SWAT team. Most recently, he led the department's Uniformed Services Division, overseeing patrol operations, traffic enforcement and major event planning for the City.

"It is truly an honor to be named the next Chief of Police," said Chief of Police Michael Baygents. "My number one priority is to make sure every person in this community feels safe and that our police department has what it needs to succeed."

Baygents is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice and justice administration.