From the Ground Up, Turning a Childhood Desire for a Law Enforcement Career into Reality

Chief Jim Smith, Cottonwood Police Department, AL

As a child, I had a desire to work in law enforcement although no family members were serving in the profession. I started as a reserve officer and even tried other, higher-paying professional positions after attending college.  Those jobs did not satisfy me, so I transitioned to a full-time law enforcement position.

I started as a police officer and worked my way up to police chief over a 23-year period while serving several agencies. I continue to teach college criminal justice classes not only to impart some of my knowledge and experience but also to maintain my professional skills and mental acuity. I am currently chief of police in Cottonwood, Alabama, a rural town with a population of 1,100.

Learn more about the Cottonwood Police Department at: http://www.townofcottonwood.org/police__department.htm