Our Sheriff's
Office
History
Nearly 200 Years of Leadership
BUILT TO SERVE
Since 1833, the Talladega County Sheriff’s Office has answered the call to serve. From handwritten warrants to modern patrol units, our mission has always been the same: protect the people, earn their trust, and uphold the law with honor.
LEGACY AND EVOLUTION
From Past to Present
A Office That Grew With Talladega County
Established in 1833, the Talladega County Sheriff’s Office has been a vital force through every era of this county’s development. What began as a small, foundational office with limited jurisdiction has grown into a modern law enforcement agency that protects a diverse population across cities, towns, and rural communities.
The early sheriffs of Talladega operated with few resources — often alone or with a single deputy — managing crime across dirt roads and farmland. Over time, as transportation, communication, and technology evolved, so did the office’s capabilities and responsibilities. From the post-Civil War period through the Great Depression, civil rights movement, and into the 21st century, the Sheriff’s Office has been a steady presence through seasons of change.
Today, the agency balances traditional law enforcement with proactive community outreach, advanced training, and digital systems — all while honoring its roots and public trust.
Leadership That Moves Us Forward
Sheriff Jimmy Kilgore
Sheriff Jimmy Kilgore’s career spans more than 40 years in law enforcement. He began with the Talladega Police Office in 1979 before joining the Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Jerry Studdard. Rising through the ranks from Deputy to Investigator and ultimately Chief Deputy, Kilgore was appointed Sheriff in 2013 following Studdard’s retirement. He was then elected by the citizens in 2014, re-elected in 2018, and again in 2022 with overwhelming support.