Reese has clear goals as AACOP president

Demopolis Police Chief Tommie Reese has been elected as President of the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police (AACOP) for 2015-2016. Reese, who has been a member of the association since 2009, served in the past as representative for the 7th Congressional District, Sergeant-at-arms, secretary and vice president. Prior to returning to Demopolis as chief of police in 2009, Reese served with the Marengo County sheriff’s office for 18 years.

“I am both honored and humbled to be elected as the next president of the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police,” said Reese in an interview with the West Alabama Watchman. “When I first joined this great organization, it was my goal to become president. To be elected by 350 of my peers to this position is such an honor.”

The AACOP serves as both a networking organization and a think-tank for police chiefs across the state, according to Reese.

“This organization allows us to network, bounce ideas off of fellow polices chiefs across the state, and ultimately be there to provide support for one another when, say, another department needs help,” said Reese.

In addition to networking, the association also provides opportunities for chiefs to receive the mandatory 20 continuing education hours required to maintain their position.

In his new role as AACOP president, Reese said he plans to continue to push the organization forward and remain ahead of the curve as it relates to current standards in policing.

When asked how he plans to deal with current issues facing police across America, Reese said it’s easy: remain transparent.

“As a police chief, I have to make sure that I am leading by example. The majority of law enforcement officers out there are doing good—they’re being the absolute best they’re able to be. Of course, there are those one or two who do things they’re not supposed to do, and those situations are what we see in the media,” explained Reese. “I’ve always told my officers to do the right thing all the time. In this new role, that’s what I want to drive home to fellow chiefs across the state. When your officers do the right thing all the time, the rest takes care of itself. If you’re doing the right thing, then you want to be transparent. There’s nothing to hide,” said Reese.

Reese said another goal of his is to help fellow chiefs get body cameras on all uniformed officers as these cameras provide more transparency. Ultimately, Reese would like to see cameras on all officers across the state.

“We’re going to continue to lead by example and stay ahead of the curve,” said Reese. “As for me, I’m going to be transparent, even if it hurts me.”