School Resource Officer (SRO) Jackie Woods has been selected as Andalusia Police Department’s Officer of the Week.

SRO Woods has been in law enforcement for more than 14 years. He began his career in Samson as a reserve officer, and was later employed and attended the Montgomery Police Academy while there. In 2003, he began working with Andalusia Police Department.

He began his assignment as School Resource Officer in 2005 after spending time in patrol. In 2014, SRO Woods began spending his summers working as an Investigator with APD while school is out of session.

He is currently supervised by Sgt. Jody Scott. In addition to his law enforcement career, he also has 12 years of military experience. He served in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve and National Guard. SRO Woods and his family make their home in Andalusia.

SRO Woods says that working in the schools is extra special for him because of his own history in the Andalusia City School system. He enjoys working with all the students but especially enjoys the elementary aged youth.

“Going to see the kids at the elementary school makes my day. They’re all always happy to see Officer Woods.”

He spends his free time fishing and cheering for the Andalusia Bulldogs and Florida State Seminoles. He does admit to having a place in his heart for the Alabama Crimson Tide because of the relationship he has with Andalusia’s Nico Johnson, but he has no love for the Auburn Tigers.

He choice for a career in law enforcement was determined at a young age. SRO Woods grew up watching his father, Dr. Jackie Woods, Sr., working for the Sheriff’s Office, and his Uncle Tauris Woods with Andalusia PD. He said he’s never regretted his decision to choose law enforcement as a career.

“You have to be a special person to do this job. You must care for others – watching my family working in this capacity and watching the on goings today encouraged me to become a police officer and continues to push me to work harder,” he said. “My long-term goals are to become Sheriff of Covington County. That’s how I plan to end my career.”

Chief Paul Hudson said, “I feel certain when I say that SRO Woods is not only an asset to us at APD, but he is also a great asset to the Andalusia City School System, administrators, teachers, and students. He has an opportunity to make an impression on the lives of our youth from the beginning of their childhood and throughout their transition into young adults.

“SRO Woods is always willing to help when and where needed,” he said. “He’s a great motivator within the Department when morale is getting low. We look forward to many more years of service from SRO Woods.”