5 Major Upgrades: Inside The Gulf Shores Police Department’s Massive $20 Million+ Transformation

The Gulf Shores Police Department (GSPD) is currently undergoing one of its most significant transformations in modern history, driven by major infrastructure projects and a renewed focus on high-visibility community policing. As of December 2025, the department is actively managing a massive shift in its operational capabilities, from the waterways to the digital realm, all while preparing to move into a state-of-the-art facility. This intensive upgrade is a direct response to the city’s rapid growth, which sees its population surge dramatically during the peak tourist season, demanding a more robust and technologically advanced law enforcement presence.

The GSPD’s commitment to maintaining a safe, family-friendly environment on the Alabama Gulf Coast is evident in its multi-million-dollar investment in new technology and facilities. This in-depth look explores the key changes, the new leadership steering the department, and the fresh initiatives that are defining the future of law enforcement in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Leadership Profile: Interim Chief Dan Netemeyer and GSPD Biography

The Gulf Shores Police Department is operating under a new, yet familiar, leadership structure following the retirement of a long-serving chief. This transition marks a new era for the department as it manages several large-scale projects and operational shifts.

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Interim Chief of Police: Daniel A. Netemeyer

• Current Role: Interim Chief of Police, Gulf Shores Police Department (GSPD)
• Predecessor: Chief Ed Delmore (Retired after 15 years)
• Previous Rank: Deputy Chief of Police
• Career Start: Began his law enforcement career as a police officer in Illinois
• Early Experience: Served eight years in Illinois, including two in a patrol division and six in the detective division
• Other Service: Previously served with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Focus: Known for his long history of community policing and a focus on proactive disorder prevention
• Contact: dnetemeyer@gulfshoresal.gov; Phone: (251) 968-2431

Chief Netemeyer assumed the interim leadership role following the retirement of Ed Delmore, a veteran who led the GSPD for 15 years. Netemeyer's extensive background, which includes serving as Deputy Chief and prior experience with the FBI and in Illinois patrol and detective divisions, provides a strong foundation for managing the department’s current growth and modernization efforts. He is currently supported by Interim Deputy Chief Joe Taylor, ensuring continuity and stability during this period of significant change.

GSPD Headquarters and Contact Information

The main headquarters for the Gulf Shores Police Department is located strategically to serve the community and its visitors:

• Address: 220 Clubhouse Drive, Gulf Shores, AL 36547
• Non-Emergency Phone: (251) 968-2431
• Emergency: 911

The Five Pillars of the GSPD’s New Era: Major Projects and Initiatives

The GSPD’s current strategy is centered around five major, interconnected projects and initiatives that are fundamentally changing how law enforcement operates on the Alabama coast. These efforts are designed to handle the unique challenges of a high-volume tourist destination and to future-proof the city's public safety infrastructure.

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1. The State-of-the-Art Gulf Shores Justice Center

The most ambitious project underway is the construction of the new City of Gulf Shores Justice Center. This facility represents a massive investment in the city’s judicial and law enforcement future, addressing years of outgrowing the existing facility. The new center will be a consolidated hub, bringing together all facets of the justice system under one roof for the first time.

• Consolidation: The new center will house the entire Police Department, the City Jail, and the Municipal Courts.
• Timeline: The project is currently making strong progress, with sitework about halfway complete as of late 2025. It is on schedule for a projected Summer 2026 completion.
• Impact: Chief Netemeyer noted that the current facility was outgrown long ago, and the new center will allow the department to police the city more effectively.

2. Implementation of a Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC)

In a major technological leap, the City of Gulf Shores has approved the initial steps for establishing a Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC). This initiative signals a move toward proactive, data-driven policing, utilizing modern surveillance and information technology to deter and solve crimes faster.

• First Phase: The city council unanimously approved the installation of 80 new surveillance cameras in popular, high-traffic areas across the city.
• Goal: These cameras are the foundation for the future RTCC, which will allow officers to monitor live feeds, track suspects, and deploy resources more efficiently.
• Community Benefit: The use of video surveillance is a key community program promoted by the GSPD to solve and deter criminal activity.

3. Launch of a Full-Time Marine Unit

Recognizing that the city's jurisdiction extends well beyond its roads and beaches, the GSPD has launched its first full-time Marine Unit. This specialized unit is dedicated to improving safety and law enforcement on the local waterways and coastal areas, which are bustling with boaters and watercraft.

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• Mission: The unit's primary responsibility is to patrol and ensure safety on Gulf Shores' waterways.
• Collaboration: The Marine Unit works closely with other regional agencies, including the Orange Beach Marine Unit, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), and the U.S. Coast Guard, especially during water emergencies.
• Personnel: The unit is staffed by dedicated officers, including Officer Ian Wallace (hired from the Denver Police Department) and Officer Tim Jones (hired from the Montgomery Police Department), demonstrating a commitment to attracting experienced talent.

4. Proactive Crackdown on Disorder and High-Visibility Policing

The GSPD has maintained a strong operational focus on preventing minor infractions from escalating into serious crimes, particularly during the busy tourist season. This strategy is often referred to as a "crackdown on disorder" and is a core component of their community policing philosophy.

• Operational Window: The period from March 1 to September 2 is identified as a particularly busy time for the department, encompassing Spring Break and the entire summer season.
• Strategy: Officers are instructed to increase their visibility in high-traffic areas, safeguarding the city's reputation as a family-friendly destination.
• Results: This proactive approach, while sometimes resulting in a high number of arrests for minor offenses, is seen as a necessary measure to deter larger criminal activities and maintain order.

5. Organizational Restructuring and Recruitment

To support its growing mission and prepare for the demands of the new Justice Center, the GSPD is actively restructuring its internal organization. The department is working to attract and retain top talent by creating clearer career paths.

• New Ranks: A new structure is being implemented to add supervisory ranks between entry-level positions and top officers, offering more opportunities for professional growth.
• Divisions: The department is organized into key operational divisions to manage its responsibilities effectively:
  • Office of the Chief of Police
  • Administration
  • Patrol Division
  • Criminal Investigations Division
  • Special Operations Division
• Recruitment: The GSPD is continually recruiting new officers and staff to meet the demands of the city’s expansion, with current openings frequently posted on the city’s official website.

Collectively, these five initiatives—the new Justice Center, the Real-Time Crime Center, the Marine Unit, the proactive disorder crackdown, and organizational restructuring—underscore the Gulf Shores Police Department's commitment to a modern, safe, and secure future for residents and millions of annual visitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast. The ongoing transformation is setting a new standard for public safety in fast-growing coastal communities.