History

Mobile County Sheriff’s Office—Since 1812

Long before Alabama became a state or the City of Mobile was incorporated, Mobile County has been protected by its Sheriff’s Office. When Mobile County was formed in 1812 as part of the Alabama Territory, Theodore Brightwell became the first sheriff. Since then, a total of 36 men have served as Sheriff. Many of the earlier leaders’ names seen in the timeline below are associated with streets and communities in Mobile County today.

As the county has grown over nearly two centuries of service by the Sheriff’s Office, the needs of law enforcement have changed. Today’s Mobile County Sheriff’s Office places its emphasis not on lethal weapons but the smart crime-fighting strategies and technologies needed to meet tomorrow’s challenges.