Our Story

HISTORY OF THE ALABAMA STATE TROOPER ASSOCIATION (ASTA)

On June 26, 1980, forty-one (41) troopers gathered and unanimously voted to form the Alabama State Trooper Association (ASTA). A Bylaws Committee was appointed shortly after and met on August 21, 1980, to draft the initial bylaws that would guide the organization and operation of ASTA.

The first official organizational meeting was held on December 10, 1980, with 252 members in attendance. Membership steadily grew, and on August 20, 1985, ASTA was formally incorporated as a non-profit organization in Calhoun County, Alabama. The association’s original address was 5601 Ridgewood Drive, Anniston, Alabama.

In December 1988, the ASTA office was relocated to Montgomery, moving to its current address at 825 Adams Avenue.

On June 9, 1988, ASTA registered its official logo with the Alabama Secretary of State. The logo features the silhouette of a trooper's head, complete with hat, enclosed within two concentric circles bearing the inscription "Alabama State Trooper Association."

Today, ASTA proudly represents more than 1,100 members—approximately 90% of active, commissioned officers—as well as a significant number of Alabama State Trooper and State Police retirees.

Built for the Road. Built for the Mission.

HISTORY OF THE ALABAMA STATE TROOPER ASSOCIATION (ASTA) VEHICLES

For nearly eight decades, Alabama State Troopers have patrolled thousands of miles of roadway across our state. Behind every badge is a trooper committed to protecting the public, and behind every trooper is a vehicle engineered to meet the demands of the job.

Patrol vehicles are more than transportation. They are mobile offices, emergency response units, and lifelines in critical moments. From high-speed pursuits to assisting stranded motorists on the shoulder of a busy interstate, troopers depend on vehicles that deliver power, precision handling, and unwavering reliability. Every model selected for service must withstand the rigors of daily patrol, long hours on the highway, and the unpredictable nature of law enforcement work.

Over the years, the Alabama Department of Public Safety fleet has reflected both the era and the evolving needs of modern policing. Early patrol cars like the 1936 and 1942 Ford Sedans laid the groundwork for generations to come. Classic models such as the 1961 Chevrolet Impala and 1957 Ford Fairlane became symbols of their time on Alabama roads.

In the 1970s, the AMC Javelin stood out as one of the most striking patrol cars ever deployed, marking history as the first pony car used by a major American law enforcement agency. The 1988 Ford Mustang continued that legacy of performance-focused enforcement. Beginning in the 1990s, the Ford Crown Victoria became the recognizable workhorse of the fleet, serving faithfully for years before being gradually replaced by the Dodge Charger and Chevrolet Tahoe in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Each vehicle tells a story of innovation, service, and commitment. As technology advances and demands evolve, one thing remains constant: Alabama State Troopers will always be equipped with vehicles ready to meet the mission.

Because protecting Alabama’s roadways requires nothing less.

Our Goals

Goals of the Alabama State Trooper Association (ASTA)

  • To promote the principles of professional law enforcement and to protect the community and uphold the rights of all citizens in the State of Alabama.
  • To support the ongoing advancement of the criminal and civil justice systems in both the State of Alabama and the United States of America.
  • To actively support legislation that enhances law enforcement, and to keep members informed about legislation that affects them or relates to their duties.
  • To represent the collective interests of ASTA members, including supporting or opposing legislation or addressing other matters that directly impact the membership, as directed by a vote of the Board of Directors.
  • To uphold our sworn duty as law enforcement officers, recognizing that our role is to enforce the law under all circumstances. ASTA members shall never participate in strikes, picket lines, or any concerted action that would cause—or attempt to cause—a disruption of police duties.
  • To remain independent from labor unions, with no direct or indirect affiliation or involvement, whether active or passive, at any time.
  • To respect the established chain of command and authority within the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. ASTA does not set policy or procedure—those responsibilities lie with the Secretary of Law Enforcement, the Governor, and the Executive Branch of the State of Alabama. However, this does not preclude the ASTA President from engaging in discussions with the Secretary of Law Enforcement on matters relevant to the Association.