MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Secretary Hal Taylor has appointed 20-year law enforcement veteran Jeremy J. Burkett as Colonel and Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS), effective September 22, 2026.
In his new role, Colonel Burkett will oversee the statewide operations of the Department of Public Safety, succeeding his most recent position as Chief and Director of ALEA’s Administrative Bureau.
Decades of Law Enforcement Experience
Colonel Burkett began his career in state law enforcement in 2006 as an Alabama State Trooper. Over his more than two decades of public service, he has served in a variety of operational, tactical, and administrative roles across the agency.
His career accomplishments within ALEA include:
- Tactical & Special Operations: Operator on the State Tactical Team and member of the Special Operations Unit.
- Instruction & Training: Field Training Officer and instructor at the ALEA Training Center.
- Executive Leadership: Chief and Director of ALEA’s Administrative Bureau.
Burkett holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Troy University.
Military Career and Official Statements
In addition to his law enforcement service, Colonel Burkett has served in the Alabama National Guard since 2002. He currently holds the rank of Major with the 167th Theater Sustainment Command in Anniston, serving as a Plans Officer within the unit’s Operations Cell. His military career includes two combat deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Secretary Taylor expressed strong confidence in Burkett’s qualifications to lead the agency’s primary operational division.
“Based on his proven track record, experience and work ethic, I am extremely confident in Colonel Burkett’s ability to lead, guide and direct ALEA’s Department of Public Safety,” Secretary Taylor said. “I look forward to working alongside him as he assumes this important role.”
“I am honored to serve as Colonel and Director of the Department of Public Safety, and I am truly grateful to Secretary Taylor for allowing me to serve in this new capacity,” Colonel Burkett said. “I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to working alongside the men and women of ALEA as well as our other law enforcement partners across Alabama to continue protecting and serving the citizens and visitors of our great state.”