Section 45-57-230.01 Qualifications; Continuing Education.

(a) After May 26, 2017, any person qualifying for election to the office of sheriff in Russell County, or any person appointed to serve as a sheriff, shall meet all of the following minimum qualifications in addition to any other qualifications required by law: (1) The person is a citizen of the United States. (2) The person has been a resident of the county for at least one year immediately prior to the qualification date. (3) The person has the qualifications of an elector pursuant to state and federal law and the person has been registered to vote in the county at least one year immediately prior to qualifying. (4) The person has been awarded a high school diploma or a GED equivalence. (5) The person is 25 years of age or older prior to qualifying. (6) The person has three or more years of full-time service as a law enforcement officer having the power of arrest. (7) The person has never been convicted of a felony. (b) Upon election, the sheriff of the county shall attend annually a minimum of 12 hours of executive level continuing education approved by the Alabama Sheriff’s Association or the National Sheriff’s Association. (c) This section shall not apply to or affect a supernumerary sheriff.