Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission

The Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission is the state body that sets and maintains standards for law enforcement officers in Alabama. It certifies officers statewide and oversees their continuing education, and its headquarters are in the RSA Union Building in downtown Montgomery. The Commission keeps RADIUS, a protected state database built from reports that every Alabama law enforcement agency must file. Those reports cover use of force complaints, disciplinary actions, reassignments for cause and certain separations of officers. Agencies have to check this database during background investigations before hiring or appointing an officer, though the Commission itself does not hold hearings on the underlying discipline. Since 2024, state law has also required each certified officer to complete a one-hour course every two years on interacting with people who have sensory needs or invisible disabilities. In an emergency, dial 911.