The University of Alabama Police Department has named Jeff Nabors its new Deputy Chief, recognizing his long-standing service to the UA community.
“Jeff brings a deep level of institutional knowledge that stregthens the department in his new role,” said UAPD Chief Scott Thurmond. “His understanding of our department, our staff and the University allows him to effectively support officers and staff while helping us move forward strategically. I’m confident his leadership will continue to strengthen our service to the University community.”
In his new role, Nabors will assist Thurmond in overseeing all uniformed operations, including the Patrol and Traffic Divisions, the Off-Campus Unit, the Canine Unit and other operational functions. Nabors will also oversee police communications and will serve as acting chief as needed.
“UAPD includes truly wonderful people who exemplify professionalism, dedication and pride in their service to The University of Alabama and the law enforcement profession as a whole,” Nabors said.
“I’m truly honored to step into this leadership role. I am sincerely humbled by the opportunity to serve the department and the University, and I am committed to supporting our people, strengthening the mission, and ensuring that we serve our community with integrity, accountability and the legendary excellence that is expected of us all.”
From Dorm Cadet to Deputy Chief
Nabors’ career with UAPD began in 1997 while he was a student at The University of Alabama. He started as a Dorm Cadet, patrolling parking lots near residence halls in the evenings and checking buildings to ensure they remained secure. The Dorm Cadet program would later evolve into Security Resources, expanding its role in supporting campus safety.
While still a student, Nabors also worked with UAPD’s Support Division, helping gather and organize information needed for the department to apply for and meet Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, or CALEA, standards. UAPD became CALEA accredited in 1998, a distinction the department has maintained ever since.
Before completing his degree, UAPD hired Nabors as a full-time police officer. After completing training at the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission Law Enforcement Academy, he served as a patrol officer before joining the Community-Oriented Policing unit. He later became an investigator in the Criminal Investigations Division.
Nabors also served as an investigator with the Tuscaloosa Metro Homicide Unit, which later became the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, gaining valuable experience working complex cases alongside local law enforcement partners.
Nabors was named UAPD Officer of the Year and promoted to sergeant in 2007. Five years later, he advanced to lieutenant, where he spent several years overseeing public safety planning for major campus events.
The department promoted Nabors to captain in 2019 where he held several key leadership assignments, including Patrol Commander, Assistant Commander of the Support Division and Commander of the Strip Unit.
Strengthening Leadership Through Learning
Nabors returned to the classroom to finish the degree he started in the late 1990s, earning his bachelor’s degree in leadership studies through UA’s New College LifeTrack program in 2022. In 2025, he earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership and conflict resolution. He now uses that knowledge to teach emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills to new officers attending the APOSTC Law Enforcement Academy in Tuscaloosa.
Nabors often points to a quote from leadership author John Maxwell: “The best leaders are humble enough to realize their victories depend upon their people.”
“I don’t claim to be the best — I’ve had many failures over the years,” Nabors said. “But I do believe I’m where I am today because of the incredible people I’ve worked alongside. I truly appreciate their hard work and the great job they do. I wouldn’t be here without their support.”