Morgan Freeman helps Gulf Shores narrow down police officer candidates

Gulf Shores Police Department • October 19, 2021

Nine make it to the interview with committee

Photo of the selection committee hiring new officers for Gulf Shores, Alabama, PD including Morgan Freeman.

More than 100 persons submitted applications to become Gulf Shores Police Officers over the last three months. About half of those were invited to test for the position last Friday which included an orientation, physical agility testing, and written examinations.  Only nine made it to the interview process that afternoon.


The interview portion of our selection process is conducted by GSPD command level officers, at least one police officer with command rank from another agency, and members of our community.


This time the panel included:


Professor Linda Keena.

Dr. Keena is a Gulf Shores resident and teaches Criminal Justice and Legal Studies at the University of Mississippi – “Ole Miss.”


Morgan Freeman.

Mr. Freeman is a resident of Gulf Shores. He is an award-winning actor, director, producer, and narrator. He is also a veteran of the United States Air Force. Mr. Freeman and Professor Keena recently donated $1 million to establish the Center of Evidence-Based Policing and Reform at the University of Mississippi.


Sergeant Major (Ret) Bryan Battaglia.

Sergeant Major Battaglia is a Gulf Shores area resident and a retired United States Marine. He served as Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


Deputy Chief of Police Daniel Netemeyer


Chief of Police Edward Delmore


Chief Scott Stewart.

Chief Stewart has served in law enforcement for 32 years and is currently the Chief of Police in Brunswick, Maine.


David Bass.

Mr. Bass is a Gulf Shores Resident. He retired in 2017 after serving most recently as the Assistant Sergeant at Arms for the United States Senate.

GSPD Chief Delmore and Deputy Chief Netemeyer wish to thank the panel for volunteering their time during this crucial process.


The next steps for the remaining candidates include extensive background investigations, psychological examinations, medical evaluations, polygraph examinations, and drug screening.


GSPD has one current opening for the sworn police officer position and anticipates additional positions becoming available in 2022.


Pictured in the photo are (L to R)

Mr. Freeman

Dr. Keena

Sergeant Major Battaglia

Deputy Chief Netemeyer

Chief Delmore

Chief Stewart

Mr. Bass

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