Michael Baygents has been officially sworn in as the 10th police chief in Tuscaloosa history. The appointment was made by Mayor Walt Maddox and follows a transition period in which former chief Brent Blankley was replaced by Chief Sebo Sanders. Baygent has decades of experience within the Tuscanoosa Police Department and has pledged to support officers while maintaining high standards of accountability. He emphasized the importance of providing officers with the tools and support needed to succeed while maintaining the integrity of law enforcement.