Captain Anthony J. Dotson is a twenty-two-and-a-half-year veteran with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. He previously worked in the Birmingham Criminal Division and is currently the Commander (Captain) for the Bessemer Criminal and Civil Divisions.
Captain Dotson is a graduate of Miles College, with a Social Science Degree in Political Science. He has received three letters of Commendation for outstanding performance in the line of duty. Before becoming a Captain with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Captain Dotson worked as a Lieutenant in the Birmingham Criminal Division, overseeing Youth Services, Sex Offenders, Vice and Narcotics, and the Victim’s Assistance Units of both sworn and non-sworn personnel. He recently spearheaded a campaign to obtain a task force to better serve the citizens in the Fairfield and Bessemer areas, against the continuous spree of violent crime.
Captain Dotson has been a Licensed Polygraph Examiner for over 15 years, serving as Vice President for the State of Alabama. He is a Crisis Intervention Team Member, graduate of the FBI Trilogy Course, and recently completed the CALEA online course as an Accreditation Manager. He has been selected to be a candidate of the FBI National Academy, Session 288, Class of 2023.
Captain Dotson belongs to several professional and social organizations. He is a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement (NOBLE), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Sparks (Civil Servant Leadership), Masonic Member (Seven Wise Men Lodge #1), and has been a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc for over 24 years.
Captain Dotson emphasizes the importance of bringing his past experience as a veteran in the United States Navy and as a Detective for the Sheriff’s Office, to those who are under his command. These two accolades speak to his understanding of the challenges faced by detectives, deputies and non-sworn personnel. Along with his experience, he believes that effective police work is having the information, training and resources to ensure that we are bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community, so that justice can be best served.
