Police Department Resources

Community Programs & Support

The Demopolis Police Department is committed to supporting the safety and well-being of our community through educational programs, public safety initiatives, and valuable resources. From child passenger safety information and the Citizens Public Safety Academy to the Yellow Dot Program and other helpful links, these resources are designed to inform, protect, and connect residents with services that enhance quality of life throughout Demopolis.

Child Safety Seat Program

The Demopolis Police Department’s Child Safety Seat Program helps parents and caregivers ensure children are traveling safely and securely. Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of injury and death among children, but properly installed, age- and size-appropriate child safety seats and booster seats can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury. Community members may schedule an appointment to have a child safety seat inspected or receive guidance on proper installation, usage, and child passenger safety requirements.

Rear-Facing Only

  • Can be used until the baby reaches the maximum weight of the seat (22-35 lbs.) or the baby’s head is within one inch of the top edge of the seat. Must be rear-facing.

Convertible

  • Should be used when the child outgrows the height and weight limits of the rear-facing seat (see above). Older babies and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing convertible seat until they are at least two years old. Check manufacturer’s instructions for the maximum weight (30-50 lbs.). The convertible seat can then be switched to forward-facing.

Forward-Facing Only

  • This seat can only be used forward-facing and should not be used until the child is a minimum of 2-years-old. Children should ride in a safety seat with a harness as long as possible (40-90 lbs., depending on the model).

Booster

  • Children who have outgrown their safety seats need a booster for proper belt fit (usually until age 10-12). To find out if a child is tall enough to wear just a safety belt, try the 5-Step Test.

5-Step Test (Conduct without Booster)

  1. Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat?
  2. Do the child’s knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat?
  3. Is the lap belt below the tummy, touching the thighs?
  4. Is the shoulder belt centered on the shoulder and chest?
  5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip? If you answered “no” to any of these questions, your child still needs a booster seat to ride safely in the car.

If you would like to set up an appointment to have your Child Safety Seat inspected or have any questions regarding child safety seats, please feel free to call the Demopolis Police Department 334-289-3073 and ask for Sgt. Monica Oliver.

The Demopolis Citizens Public Safety Academy

The Demopolis Citizens Public Safety Academy provides community members with a behind-the-scenes look at local police and fire services. Through this 12-week program, participants gain a better understanding of departmental operations, policies, procedures, and the challenges faced by public safety professionals. While the curriculum is modeled after traditional police and fire academy training, the program is designed to educate and engage citizens, not to train participants as police officers or firefighters.

Training Topics

Training topics include Police Ethics, Internal Affairs, Drug Enforcement, Traffic Laws, Criminal Investigations, Firearm Safety, Hazmat Control, CPR, Fire Prevention & Safety, E-911 Communications, and much more.

The twelve (12)-week academy is designed to give citizens an overview of the departments’ policies and procedures. The curriculum and teaching methods are similar to those of a traditional police academy; however, the weekly sessions are not designed to make participants police officers or firefighters.

Police and Fire supervisors, along with veteran officers and firefighters, teach the academy classes. Participants have the opportunity to meet with the Fire Chief, the Chief of Police, and staff members. They are encouraged to ask questions and express their concerns to Police and Fire Department employees. The Demopolis Public Safety Departments hope to promote greater awareness and understanding of the roles of law enforcement and fire services within the community through the education provided by the Citizens Public Safety Academy.

Academy Schedule

The Demopolis Public Safety Departments (Police & Fire) offer two Citizens Public Safety Academy sessions each year. Each academy lasts twelve weeks. Classes meet one weekday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Demopolis Police Department Training Center. Upon completion of the program, graduates attend a graduation ceremony and receive a certificate of completion.

Participant Requirements

Potential candidates for the Citizens Public Safety Academy must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Live or work within the jurisdiction of the City of Demopolis
  • No prior felony convictions
  • No convictions for assault, domestic violence, or weapons-related offenses
  • No misdemeanor arrests within five years of application
  • Final selection will be made by the Chief of Police, who may waive any of the requirements on a case-by-case basis.

NOTE: ANY OF THESE REQUIREMENTS MAY BE WAIVED UPON REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE.

The Demopolis Citizens Public Safety Academy Alumni Association

Graduates of the Citizens Public Safety Academy will be invited to join the Academy Alumni Association to continue their involvement with the Demopolis Police & Fire Departments. Alumni members will receive additional training and will be called on to assist the Police & Fire Departments during special events or emergencies. Academy Alumni may be asked to assist with traffic control, missing persons searches, crime detection, or similar activities.

For more information, please call the Demopolis Police Department Training Division at 334-289-3073 or the Demopolis Fire Department at 334-289-1212.

Yellow Dot Program

The Yellow Dot Program is a free service designed to help Alabama citizens and first responders in the event of an automobile crash or medical emergency involving a participant’s vehicle. By providing important medical information when a person may be unable to communicate, the program can help improve emergency response during the critical “golden hour.” Open to individuals of all ages, with an emphasis on senior citizens, the Yellow Dot Program is a cooperative effort among local law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency medical services, senior groups, and concerned citizens.

The Yellow Dot Program is the first program of its kind in the State of Alabama. It is designed to assist Alabama citizens and first responders in the event of an automobile crash or other medical emergency involving a participant’s vehicle. The program can help save lives during the critical “golden hour” by improving communication at a time when accident victims may be unable to communicate for themselves.

The Yellow Dot Program provides detailed medical information that can be crucial following a crash. Participants receive a Yellow Dot decal, a Yellow Dot folder, and an information form containing the participant’s name, identifying photo, emergency contact information, personal physician information, medical conditions, recent surgeries, allergies, and current medications. A Yellow Dot decal placed on the driver’s-side rear window alerts first responders to check the vehicle’s glove compartment for the corresponding Yellow Dot folder. Having this information readily available following a crash helps first responders positively identify the individual, contact family members or emergency contacts, and ensure that current medications and pre-existing medical conditions are considered when treatment is administered.

The Yellow Dot Program is a free service available to individuals of all ages, with an emphasis on senior citizens. The program is a cooperative effort among local law enforcement agencies, fire and rescue departments, emergency medical services, senior groups, and concerned citizens.

To enroll in the Yellow Dot Program, please visit the Demopolis Police Department at 301 East Washington Street, Demopolis, AL. Department staff will be happy to assist you with registration.

Other Resources

Explore these additional resources for child safety, crime prevention, emergency alerts, public safety education, and victim assistance. These trusted organizations provide valuable information and services to help individuals and families stay informed, prepared, and protected.