Behind the Scenes with the Huntsville Police Department

Michelle Cardenas

The City Fellows Interns and LEAP Ambassadors recently stepped into the world of local law enforcement with an exclusive tour of the Huntsville Police Department, led by the warm and welcoming Corporal Sanders, Senior Officer Craig, and Officer Jennings. With this tour, we were able to experience multiple aspects of our community and get to know the dedicated officers who work tirelessly to keep our city safe.

They began by sharing the department’s history, proudly showing us old uniforms, historic equipment, and awards that marked the walls. Right by the entrance, we even saw the shiny shovel used to break ground for this incredible facility in 2021!

Walking through the common area, I realized this space was more than just a building; the walls were filled with images and stories of Huntsville’s history. As I examined these photographs, I felt a stronger connection to the community, seeing the legacy left by the officers who served before.

As we entered the gym, Professor Yawn began egging some of us on to punch the punching bag. After some weak and pitiful punches…

…we were led to the locker rooms. We learned that these are not just practical spaces; they include areas for victims in need of privacy. From this, we understood that every aspect of the building was not only built in mind for the officers but also the community.

In the evidence room, we learned a surprising amount about handling and storing evidence. Senior Officer Craig explained the steps for bagging items with precision and gave us a look at the organized system of lockers and refrigeration units.

Moreover, one of the highlights was meeting Senior Lieutenant Curt Landrum. He explained that there are two types of cases that the detectives work on: property crimes and personal crimes. When asked how many cases they work on each year, he noted that it is in the thousands!

Next, we headed outside for a little action! Senior Officer Craig set up a mock traffic stop, and Emely bravely volunteered to be “pulled over.” As Senior Officer Craig went through her routine, she explained all the safety measures she takes, from positioning her vehicle carefully to approaching with full awareness.

Finally, we got to climb aboard the SWAT truck, affectionately known as the “Pitbull.”

It was an absolute thrill to be inside this armored vehicle, knowing it’s there to protect the officers in extreme situations.

Just being in that truck gave us all a feeling of respect for the risks these officers are prepared to take.

We left the Huntsville Police Department with much appreciation for the officers who serve our community. Thank you to Corporal Sanders, Senior Officer Craig, and Officer Jennings for a day filled with learning, laughter, and unforgettable experiences!