Communications Unit

The Communications Unit falls under Highway Patrol and is a modern telecommunications center providing interoperable radio communications throughout the state of Alabama. The Communications Unit dispatches for Highway Patrol Troopers, Motor Carrier Safety Unit, Marine Patrol, Capitol Patrol Troopers, State Bureau of Investigation, Dignitary Protect, and others. There are seven centers, along with eight dispatch offices. The Communications Unit is made up of 60 Police Communications Officers, 3 Police Communications Managers, and the Police Communications Director. The Police Communications Officers provide 24-hour emergency services, 7 days a week, 365 days per year for ALEA. The Police Communication Officers (PCOs) answer calls from the public, local police, sheriff's dispatch, and 911 centers; and then dispatch the appropriate first responders. The PCOs serve as the first point of contact for citizens in need of ALEA services.