ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor Announces New Director of DPS

The appointment comes after the announcement of the resignation of the former DPS Director Colonel Jimmy Helms earlier this year.

An Alabama native who grew up in Mobile Colonel Archer graduated from the University of South Alabama in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. He also graduated of FBI’s National Academy. His law enforcement career began in 2005 when he was a part of his first unit, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Marine Police Division and was assigned to the Orange Beach/Bald County search and rescue unit.

Colonel Archer has been a cherished part of ALEA since its consolidation in the year 2015 and has previously served as Director of the agency’s Driver License Division. Prior to his position as the Chief of Driver License and Driver License Division, he worked in a variety of roles across the Agency including Marine Patrol Training Coordinator, Law Enforcement Special Response Unit Commander and Commander of both the Central as well as Southern Districts of the Marine Patrol Division.

While working in the Driver License Division, he guided his team through the arduous COVID-19 challenges to offer public services and provide a record amount of citizens through internet, phone and email. In 2022, the ALEA’s Driver License Division worked diligently under under the leadership of Colonel Archer to enhance technology and the process of obtaining driver’s licenses and finally, unveiled the law enforcement agency’s new Driver License System (LEADS). LEADS was an enormous and historic achievement which replaced the prior system that had been in operation for two decades.

Secretary Taylor declared, “Throughout his years with ALEA Colonel Archer has shown his unwavering dedication and commitment to public service, not just for the Agency however, but for all of Alabama. Every time, he’s faced massive jobs and complex challenges as well as providing secure and effective solutions that have elevated the agency’s Driver License Division to a new standard of excellence. Based on his demonstrated dedication to his work and his impressive performance I am convinced of Colonel Archer’s leadership skills and the vision he has of the Department. I am looking forward to working with him in his new role.”

Colonel Archer declared, “I am honored that Governor Kay Ivey and Secretary Taylor have given me the responsibility of leading the ALEA’s Department of Public Safety. I have had a great time working with of the agency’s Marine Patrol and Driver License Divisions and anticipate continuing to carry on the Agency’s mission to provide the highest security and service to everyone in this new role.”