Jacob “J.J.” Reach served the citizens of Jefferson County for 30 years, retiring as a Captain from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. From 1994 to 2024, he worked in and led multiple divisions, building a career centered on public safety, leadership, and accountability. His experience across corrections, patrol, investigations, and school safety provides a strong foundation for protecting and strengthening Jefferson County communities. He currently serves as an Investigator with the Calera Police Department.

Professional Experience

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (1994–2024)
Retired Captain - Recognized as 2006 Deputy Sheriff of the Year by the Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce

• Corrections Division: Served as Deputy, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain; Division Commander of the Birmingham Corrections Division
• Patrol Division: Responded to calls for service, conducted arrests, investigations, traffic enforcement, and crime prevention; Division Commander of the Birmingham Patrol Division
• Field Training Officer: Trained and mentored new patrol deputies
• Youth Services Detective: Conducted complex felony investigations including child exploitation, child abuse, crimes against persons, and crimes against property
• Cold Homicide Unit: Investigated unsolved homicide cases; received four Certificates of Commendation resulting in arrests in four separate cases
• Academy Instructor: Certified FBI instructor at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Academy teaching child exploitation investigations and juvenile law and detention.  
• Sex Offender Unit: Served as Investigator, Sergeant, and Lieutenant; oversaw enforcement of the Alabama Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act
• School Resource Division: Lieutenant responsible for school resource officers and safety operations for 62 Jefferson County schools

Calera Police Department (Current)
Investigator - Recognized as 2025 Officer of the Year Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and 2025 Calera Police Department Excellence in Service Award

Certifications & Specialized Training

• National Command and Staff College – Executive Leadership Course
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Field Force Command and Planning for Executives
• Sexual Abuse Investigations
• Terrorism Trends and Tactics
• Interview and Interrogation
• Identity Crimes
• Diversity Awareness and Education
• K-9 Narcotics Handler
• National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO):
• School Resource Officer Basic Course
• Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
• Threats and Solutions with Social Media
• High in Plain Sight
• COPS Office and School Safety
• Alabama Association of School Resource Officers

Education

• Associate of Science in Criminal Justice – Columbia Southern University
• A.P.O.S.T. Certified – Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training

Professional Affiliations

• National Advisory Board, Offender Watch
• Quality Assurance Committee, Alabama Department of Human Resources