City Of Tuscaloosa Names Michael Baygents As New Police Chief

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox on Friday named longtime police officer Michael Baygents as the 10th police chief in the city's history.

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The announcement comes after former chief Brent Blankley was elevated to a new position as executive director of public safety. Chief Sebo Sanders then served in the role in an interim capacity until Friday.

The city says Baygents brings more than 26 years of experience with the Tuscaloosa Police Department, where he has served in a wide range of leadership and operational roles.

Baygents most recently led the department’s Uniformed Services Division, overseeing patrol operations, traffic enforcement, and major event planning for the city.

Before introducing the new chief, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox describes the job of police chief as laboring, demanding and all-consuming.

"The chief is called to lead with strength and integrity, to support the men and women of the Tuscaloosa Police Department, and at the same time listen to and earn the confidence of every single neighborhood in our city," he said.

Maddox then described Baygents as a "hometown boy" and a "homegrown leader" who has served with distinction during his entire time with TPD.

"I first met Chief Baygents in 2005, when he was awarded Patrol Officer of the Year for heroic actions in saving the life of a fellow officer," Maddox said. "Since that time, I’ve followed his career closely as he rose through the ranks and built an impeccable reputation grounded in hard work, bravery, and leadership."

Baygents is a 1994 graduate of Central High School and began his law enforcement career in 1995 with the University of Alabama Police Department before joining TPD in 1999.

Since embarking on his career, Baygents has worked in patrol, training, investigations, and specialized units, including the department’s SWAT team, where he currently serves as assistant commander.

He was then named major over the Uniformed Services Division before becoming commander of the department’s Criminal Investigations Division.

The City of Tuscaloosa says Baygents is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice and justice administration.

He and his wife Amy have four children and five grandchildren.

"This community has shaped who I am," Baygents told those gathered Friday. "Tuscaloosa is my home. Serving this city is deeply personal to me."

He went on to say his department will continue to build strong partnerships within the community, respond swiftly and effectively to those in need, and hold themselves to the highest standards of professionalism.

"Keep this in mind: diversity and inclusion, and making sure everyone who interacts with this department is treated fairly and with respect, are values that guide everything we do," he said. "I’m proud to serve this city, and together we will build a stronger future with continued trust, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence.”

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