ALEA recognized by U.S. Department of Homeland Security as partner of the year

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February 17, 2025

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) was recently recognized as the 2024 Investigative Partner of the Year by Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) Atlanta Field Office, which is responsible for federal law enforcement in both Alabama and Georgia.

This recognition was awarded to Special Agents assigned to ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) during a ceremony held in Atlanta, Ga., on Thursday, Feb. 13. In addition to Partner of the Year, SBI Special Agents operating out of Mobile, received the Investigation of the Year Award for 2024 and one Special Agent in the Birmingham area was also recognized as HSI’s Task Force Officer of the Year.

“The partnerships we cultivate with federal agencies are paramount in our shared mission to protect our communities,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “It’s an honor for our team to receive this prestigious award, and we are grateful for the strong partnership we share with Homeland Security Investigations.”

ALEA SBI Director Chris Inabinett agreed and said, “Oftentimes, due to the sensitive nature of the cases and the investigations our Special Agents handle, we are unable to highlight and recognize them for their specialized and diligent work. However, these awards are a testament to the unwavering commitment and dedication of not only our Agents, but also our federal partners.”

HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats. HSI conducts federal criminal investigations into the illegal movement of people, goods, money, contraband, weapons and sensitive technology into, out of and through the United States.

ALEA SBI is a prominent supporter of its federal partners and ALEA Special Agents serve on a variety of Task Forces to include the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, DEA’s High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force, FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.