News readers across the nation have seen images of chaos in many spring break beach towns. The Police Chief in Panama City even posted that their community would have to stop being a spring break town. Incidents in Myrtle Beach, Daytona and Miami have those cities questioning the future of spring break along those beaches.

In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach there have been rules established since 2016 that prohibit use of alcohol consumption on the beaches during spring break. Other local governments have even visited the area to observe how the rules have made the Alabama beaches a family-oriented spring break destination.

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Gulf Shores Interim Chief of Police, Dan Netemeyer, took to social media this week to explain how the school break event has been along the local beach areas:

This week we wrapped up another busy Spring Break season.

Like many of our colleagues in popular Spring Break locations, this season was not without challenges.

Our goal this year was to stop the streak of senseless acts of violence by small groups in the beach area while creating an environment of police presence in a balanced way.

The balance was to allow guests and residents to feel comfortable, yet still take necessary action when visitors strayed outside of the law. I am proud to say we have achieved our goal.

We tested several new methods and acted swiftly when necessary to address concerns before they infringed on the ability to safely enjoy the beachfront.

The men and women of the Gulf Shores Police Department worked tirelessly as a group to accomplish this task. I am thankful and very proud of their efforts.

The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and ALEA were with us every step the way. We thank them for their dedication.

To the residents who came to the beach to watch the sunset. We saw you.

To the family who was taking a stroll down the boardwalk enjoying their ice cream. We saw you.

To the outside customers at the Shrimp Basket and Crico’s Pizza who gave our officers a standing ovation after we apprehended the subject who fled on foot during a traffic stop. We saw you.

We also saw the juveniles who chose to visit our city with guns, the promoters of illegal parties, underage drinkers, drug violators, and careless motorists. We hope all of you enjoyed your time in our jail.

This is by no means a spiking of the football. Our goal line is constantly on the move. This week, we look forward to protecting the Alabama State Track Championships and the NCAA Women’s Beach Volleyball Championship.

Very soon we will be launching our new Marine Unit to the waters and the Airport Unit to the Gulf Shores International Airport.

From there, it is on to the Sand in my Boots Music Festival and the summer tourist season.

We are very grateful to our city leaders who give us the necessary resources to do our jobs and the tremendous support we receive from this amazing community.

Thank you all and God Bless.

Dan Netemeyer, Interim Chief of Police