MADISON – Major John Stringer has been named Acting Chief of Madison Police Department.

In January, Mayor Paul Finley appointed Stringer as Acting Chief when then chief David Jernigan retired.

Stringer will continue projects that Jernigan started, including founding a Community Advisory Committee, adding a Mental Health Officer and Crisis Intervention Officers to the force, implementing a residential/commercial House of Worship Security Assessment program and expanding Driver Training Program with Crash Review Committee.

Currently, Stringer is collaborating with Madison City Schools administrators to launch monthly after-school dialogue between School Resource Officers and students to share concerns, information and ideas.

Stringer said Madison Police Department can advance to the next level in recruitment, retention and promotion of professionally trained and committed officers who want to serve Madison citizens.

With 24 years in law enforcement, the Huntsville native is following members of his family who worked as police officers and public servants. In 1998, Stringer earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He joined Madison Police Department in 1998. During his career, he has worked as Field Training Officer, SWAT Team Assistant Leader, Narcotics Investigator and Patrol Sergeant.

After his promotion to Lieutenant in 2010, Stringer established the Officer of Professional Standards to monitor Internal Affairs and Community Resources, along with Policy and Procedure. He was promoted to Captain in 2012 and assigned to Special Operations Division where he oversaw Training, School Resource Officers, Traffic Safety and Animal Control Divisions.

He later was assigned to Investigations, which included vice and narcotics, crimes against children, white-collar investigations and Crime Scene Unit Administration. Promoted to Captain in 2019, he eventually assumed the position of Assistant Chief. He was responsible for planning, staffing and operations of Patrol, Investigations, Special Operations, Records and Communications Divisions. He also served as Public Information Officer.

Stringer’s other training includes FBI National Academy and a master’s degree in public administration. Stringer acknowledged mentoring from Jernigan and retired Lieutenant Scott Peak.

Stringer and wife Amanda are parents of three children. The Stringers like kayaking, hiking and CrossFit.