Alexander City Field Office Strives for a Safer Community

By Jakiya Dudley, Digital Media Specialist

Alexander City, Ala – On Wednesday, December 7, I visited the Alexander City Field Office located in the Tallapoosa County Courthouse Annex. This field office accommodates the needs of the county’s probationers and parolees.

Upon my visit I was warmly welcomed by Officer Michael Waldrop, who is one of many officers who strive to ensure offenders reenter society in a safe and positive manner. Waldrop has served as a law enforcement officer for 17 years and as a Probation and Parole Officer for two years. He is an Alexander City native and enjoys contributing to the safety of his hometown.

“It enlightens me to see offenders who were granted probation be rehabilitated and given the opportunity to prosper successfully as a productive member of society,” said Waldrop.

I also had the pleasure to meet Officer-in-Charge Dustin Wallace. He is undeniably knowledgeable in his law enforcement career as he has gained experience at numerous field offices. He began with the Bureau in November 2016 at the Wedowee Field Office. He then transferred to the Dadeville Field Office in April 2018. In November 2019, he was promoted to his current supervisory position at the Alexander City Field Office.

“I enjoy building a rapport with clients, the District Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement agencies in our area to better serve and protect our community,” said Wallace. He also acknowledged the efforts of Administrative Support Assistant Renee Ellison who has served the Bureau for more than 15 years.

Wallace was also the recipient of the 2022 Officer of the Year award in recognition of his continuous outstanding service to his profession and community.

Senior Specialist Lakisha Phillips works alongside Officer Waldrop and Officer Wallace, managing the day-to-day administrative needs and being a helping hand to the officers.

Throughout my visit, I noticed the friendly and cooperative atmosphere at the Alexander City Field Office. Although they are one of the smaller field offices, their teamwork shows huge results. The Bureau has 62 field offices, serving all Alabama counties. Field offices function as a local base of operations for Probation and Parole Officers, specialists and other support staff. Officers are required to make various contacts with probationers and parolees based on their risk level. These contacts range from a monthly office visit for lower risk individuals to weekly office, home, employment and curfew checks for higher risk individuals. In addition, officers are tasked with various types of investigations requested by the Bureau or courts, as well as assisting other law enforcement agencies when needed.