Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Secretary Hal Taylor has appointed Jeremy J. Burkett as Colonel and Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS), effective Sept. 22, 2026.
Colonel Burkett began his law enforcement career with what is now ALEA, in 2006 as an Alabama State Trooper. He has served in numerous capacities during his more than 20 years of law enforcement service, including as an operator on the State Tactical Team, a member of the Special Operations Unit, a Field Training Officer, and as an instructor at the ALEA Training Center. He most recently served as Chief and Director of ALEA’s Administrative Bureau. Colonel Burkett holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Troy University.
In addition to his law enforcement career, 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, where he serves as a Plans Officer in the unit’s Operations Cell. He served on two combat deployments to Iraq in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
“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.”
