Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Al Blanton
As the Alabama Sheriffs Association (ASA) kicks off a new year, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to provide professional support, training, advocacy, and community leadership for all 67 sheriffs across the state.
With a lineup of educational conferences, targeted training sessions, and events tailored to the needs of both law enforcement leadership and support staff, ASA continues to elevate public safety standards in Alabama while fostering collaboration among agencies and communities.
At the helm of ASA as Executive Director, Sheriff Huey “Hoss” Mack brings decades of law enforcement experience and a passionate vision for statewide support and cohesion. Reflecting on the year ahead, Mack says, “2025 was a great year for our Association. We had record numbers at our conferences and meetings. This year will be even more fast-paced. All 67 sheriff’s offices are up for election, as are all statewide offices. Please keep each other in your prayers and be supportive of those who will meet the challenges of 2026. Alabama sheriffs continue to be at the forefront of all law enforcement in the state, and they bear that responsibility with honor.”
Here is a preview of what is on the agenda for ASA in 2026:
Winter Technology & Education Conference
One of the year’s cornerstone events, the 2026 Winter Technology Conference will be held January 18–21, 2026, at the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa in Birmingham, Alabama. This multi-day gathering brings sheriffs, deputies, corrections personnel, and industry partners together for cutting-edge training sessions, technology showcases, and strategic discussions designed to enhance operational effectiveness across departments.
The Winter Conference typically features a mix of executive sessions, interactive workshops, vendor exhibits, and networking opportunities, providing attendees with insights into emerging technologies, best practices in law enforcement leadership, and opportunities to engage with technology providers and legislative partners. These sessions are structured to enhance decision-making and promote statewide consistency in the use of tools and systems that help sheriffs better serve their counties.
Summer Technology & Training Conference
Following the Winter Conference, ASA’s Summer Conference will continue the organization’s commitment to officer development and technology implementation. While the exact dates and location are typically announced closer to summer, past conferences have been hosted in July in Orange Beach, Alabama.
These summer events often include vendor engagement opportunities and focused breakout sessions on topics such as data integration, field-ready tools, leadership development, and emerging trends affecting law enforcement operations.
Sheriffs’ Clerks & Administrators Conference
The annual Clerks & Administrators Conference, usually held in late summer or early fall, focuses on the administrative professionals who keep sheriff’s offices running smoothly. This training reinforces best practices, compliance standards, and professional development for clerks and administrative staff.
Advocacy and Legislative Engagement
At the state level, ASA remains an active voice in legislative advocacy, ensuring sheriffs’ priorities are well represented in Montgomery and beyond. ASA provides resources and representation to advocate for public safety policies, funding for sheriff’s offices, and legislation that supports law enforcement outcomes and community well-being.
This sustained engagement with lawmakers enables ASA to influence policy discussions on issues such as crime prevention, technology funding, corrections reform, and public safety staffing.
Each year, ASA also hosts its Legislative Cookout in appreciation of Alabama’s legislators and their dedication to serving the state’s citizens. The 10th annual Legislative Cookout will be held on February 10 in a block party style in front of the ASA office at 514 Washington Avenue in Montgomery. Invitations are extended to members of both the Alabama House and Senate, members of their staffs, ASA’s corporate partners, and all 67 sheriffs along with their command staff. The event is designed to foster relationship-building and open dialogue in a relaxed, informal setting.
“As in the past, the cook teams will be from the Russell County Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office,” says Mack. “We expect great weather, wonderful food, and a tremendous turnout.”
Throughout 2026, ASA’s efforts will continue to emphasize its motto: “No sheriff shall stand alone.” Through its conferences, trainings, peer networks, and legislative engagement, ASA fosters a culture of shared knowledge, mutual support, and professional excellence. By empowering sheriffs and their teams with access to education, resources, and strategic partnerships, the Association contributes to safer communities and stronger law enforcement leadership across the state. WL
To learn more about the Alabama Sheriffs Association, alabamasheriffs.com.
The Alabama Sheriffs Association is a non-profit organization, categorized as 501(c)(3). The Alabama Sheriffs Foundation is the non-profit charitable arm of the association and is categorized as 501(c)(6).
