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5 Critical Developments Shaping The City Of Fairhope Police Department In 2025

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The City of Fairhope Police Department (FPD) is currently undergoing a period of significant modernization and community engagement as of December 19, 2025, reflecting the city's commitment to maintaining its high quality of life. This article provides a deep dive into the most recent and critical developments, from confirmed leadership updates and new equipment acquisitions to evolving community partnerships and notable incidents.

The FPD operates with a core mission to provide excellent service through community partnerships, aiming to build trust, reduce crime, and create a safe environment for all residents and visitors of Fairhope, Alabama. The department's proactive approach to law enforcement, coupled with its focus on transparency, makes it a pivotal entity in Baldwin County's public safety landscape.

Biography: Chief Stephanie Hollinghead

Chief Stephanie Hollinghead represents the confirmed and current leadership of the Fairhope Police Department. Her tenure is marked by a focus on community-oriented policing and departmental modernization.

  • Current Role: Chief of Police, City of Fairhope Police Department.
  • Appointment: Confirmed as the permanent Police Chief after serving as Interim Chief, following a unanimous vote by the Fairhope City Council.
  • Leadership Focus: Hollinghead has consistently emphasized building trust within the community and ensuring the department runs efficiently.
  • Recent Activity (June 2025): As of mid-2025, Chief Hollinghead has been actively providing public updates on crime statistics, popular scams targeting residents, and addressing issues like alleged illegal immigrant arrests in Fairhope.
  • Department Profile: The Chief oversees a department with a clear mission to provide excellent service, reduce crime, and create a safe environment through strong community partnerships.

1. Major Fleet Modernization and Equipment Upgrades (2024–2025)

One of the most concrete and recent signs of the Fairhope Police Department's commitment to operational excellence is the significant investment in its vehicle fleet. The Fairhope City Council has approved substantial procurements to ensure officers are equipped with reliable, modern vehicles.

The FPD has been authorized to acquire several new, high-performance patrol vehicles, underscoring the city's support for its law enforcement officers:

  • 2024/2025 Chevrolet Tahoes: The City Council approved a resolution to award a bid to Donohoo Chevrolet for the procurement of two (2) new 2024 or 2025 Chevrolet Tahoes 2WD Commercial models for the department.
  • 2024/2025 Chevrolet Silverado PPV: A separate resolution was approved for the procurement of two (2) new 2024 or 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PPV (Police Pursuit Vehicle) 4WD Crew Cabs, also awarded to Donohoo Chevrolet.
  • State Grants: Further bolstering its resources, the FPD was among the 19 law enforcement agencies awarded equipment grants by Governor Kay Ivey in April 2024. These grants help secure necessary resources to enhance public safety operations and officer capabilities.

These procurements are critical for patrol operations, ensuring officer safety, and maintaining a visible, effective presence across Fairhope and its jurisdiction within Baldwin County.

2. Proactive Community Engagement and Training Initiatives

The FPD's mission is heavily reliant on community partnerships, and several recent initiatives highlight this focus, bridging the gap between law enforcement and the public.

Citizen’s Police Academy Opens Applications

In a direct effort to foster understanding and transparency, the Fairhope Police Department opened applications for its Fall 2024 Citizen's Police Academy. This program offers civilians a unique, firsthand look into the daily operations, challenges, and protocols of their local police force. Programs like this are essential for building the trust that is central to the department’s mission.

Addiction Awareness Podcast Partnership (C.O.P.E.)

The FPD is actively involved in the C.O.P.E. (Community Outreach Prevention & Education) initiative. This multi-agency partnership, which includes Coastal Alabama Community College, is working on creating a student-led podcast to spark awareness about addiction. This collaboration demonstrates the FPD’s role extending beyond traditional enforcement and into public health and education within the community.

Leadership and Executive Training

In a commitment to professional development, high-ranking officers have been pursuing advanced training. For instance, Fairhope's Chief Joseph Petties (who may be a Deputy or Assistant Chief under Hollinghead) completed the first 40 hours of training in the prestigious Certified Law Enforcement Executive Program. This ongoing training ensures the department's leadership remains current with the latest best practices in law enforcement management.

3. Addressing Crime Trends and Notable Incidents in 2025

Recent data and public statements from Chief Hollinghead indicate the department is closely monitoring current crime trends, including a reported increase in some statistics noted in the June 2025 activity report. The Chief’s updates frequently cover topics critical to public awareness, such as popular scams and the department's response to various criminal activities.

The Fairhope Protest Arrest and First Amendment Rights

A notable, high-profile incident involving the FPD centered on an arrest made during a protest. A woman was arrested while wearing a phallic costume, leading to charges including disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. The case gained significant attention when the defendant's attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the charges, arguing the arrest violated her First Amendment rights to free speech. The court ultimately denied the motion to dismiss, signifying the ongoing legal complexities and scrutiny surrounding police interactions during public demonstrations.

Police Scorecard Data

External evaluations of the department also offer insight. According to the Police Scorecard, the Fairhope Police Department was responsible for one killing by police between 2013 and 2023. While this is a sensitive metric, it is part of the public data used to evaluate police departments nationwide and is a factor in ongoing discussions about police accountability and use-of-force policies within the FPD and the broader Baldwin County law enforcement community.

4. Operational Efficiency and Inter-Agency Collaboration

The FPD is continuously working to streamline operations and enhance its collaborative efforts with other agencies:

  • 911 District Integration: The department is involved in ongoing discussions and resolutions regarding the transfer of certain functions from the Baldwin County 911 District, which impacts how emergency services and dispatch are coordinated across the county.
  • Municipal Court Operations: The FPD works closely with the Fairhope Municipal Court to process arrests, manage dockets, and ensure the orderly administration of justice for local ordinances and minor criminal cases.
  • Regional Partnerships: Fairhope officers regularly collaborate with neighboring departments, including the Spanish Fort Police Department and the Mobile County Sheriff's Office, to address regional issues and share resources, such as through the aforementioned Governor's grant program.

The City of Fairhope Police Department remains a dynamic organization, balancing the need for firm law enforcement with a commitment to community-building and transparency. The recent developments, from new vehicles and the Citizen's Academy to the ongoing legal and social discussions surrounding notable incidents, all point to a department actively evolving to meet the complex demands of a growing coastal Alabama city. Residents can stay informed through the official City of Fairhope news channels, which frequently provide updates from the department and Chief Hollinghead.

5 Critical Developments Shaping the City of Fairhope Police Department in 2025
city of fairhope police department
city of fairhope police department

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