Red Bay Police can use electronic signatures

RED BAY – Police can now use electronic signatures for their reports.

City council members approved the policy after learning it was a requirement to qualify for enforcement grants funded through the North Alabama Highway Safety Office.

Police Chief Janna Jackson told council members without the new policy, the city would not be able to apply for grants to cover overtime costs associated with holidays. She wanted the policy to be approved before the Labor Day holiday.

The policy, drafted by City Attorney Mitch McKinney, is based on models used by other departments, including Russellville.

“We’re not doing anything with AI,” she told council members. “We just want to be able to submit our reports with electronic signatures.”

Jackson’s request prompted an expanded discussion on future cybersecurity measures needed to address new digital requirements.

Councilman Brad Bolton suggested council members need to schedule a future work session with the city’s IT contractors. He recommended reviewing firewall protections, patch management, and vulnerability testing to safeguard city data.

Councilmembers Jarod Massey and Jason Vinson also supported taking a closer look at digital security as reporting moves online.

The council, which meets twice a month, canceled its July 2 meeting because of the July 4 holiday. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 16 with a work session at 3 p.m. and the council meeting at 3:30 p.m. at Red Bay City Hall, 203 4th Ave. SE.