Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Director Cam Ward on Monday appointed Darryl Littleton as deputy director for administration and law enforcement services, effective January 16.
Littleton brings more than 28 years of public service in law enforcement, protective services and government operations to the role, including more than four years on the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. He was appointed to the Board by Governor Kay Ivey in July 2021, “where he developed a reputation as a problem solver with a strong understanding of the Bureau’s mission and operations,” the Bureau shared.
During his service on the Board, Littleton worked closely with Bureau staff to better understand the agency’s operations and identify opportunities to improve efficiency. In 2022, he led efforts to modernize the parole file review process, including the development of structured decision-making tools and expanded remote access to parole data for Board members. Those changes reduced errors and supported the use of real-time technology during parole hearings, according to the Bureau.
Littleton’s law enforcement career includes 24 years with the Alabama State Troopers, where he served as both a trooper and a supervisor. His experience also includes service as an APOST-certified law enforcement officer, traffic homicide investigator, DUI enforcement specialist and legislative affairs liaison. He has extensive background in protective services and retired from state service in 2020.
“I am thankful for my time on the Board and look forward to a new opportunity to serve this great state in a new position of trust,” Littleton said.
“We are proud to have Darryl Littleton join the Bureau’s leadership team,” Director Cam Ward said. “His long record of service to the people of Alabama and his extensive background in law enforcement and public safety make him a strong addition.”
Littleton is trained in the Ohio Risk Assessment System and is a member of the Association of Paroling Authorities International and the American Probation and Parole Association. He also serves on the Alabama Council on Crime and Delinquency. He is a past president of Autism Support of Alabama and has served on its board since 2014.
Littleton is replacing Mark Hall, who retired after five years as the Bureau’s deputy director. Director Ward said he relied on Hall’s decades of law enforcement leadership and operations experience, including as a chief of police and mayor of Helena, Alabama, to manage law enforcement operations and several administrative divisions. Hall also helped guide the Bureau through significant operational and legislative progress. His leadership focused on responsible budget management, officer safety enhancements and landmark legislation recognizing Alabama parole officers as state law enforcement officers. “Hall’s service left a lasting impact on the Bureau’s operations and its commitment to public safety,” the agency stated.
The Board will have a vacancy following Littleton’s appointment to the Bureau, which will be filled pursuant to the state law. The process calls for the governor to select a candidate for appointment from a list of five qualified persons nominated by a committee consisting of the lieutenant governor, speaker of the House of Representatives and president pro tempore of the Senate. The governor’s appointment must then be confirmed by the legislature.
The Board is separate from the Bureau and serves as an entity of Alabama’s legislative branch of government. It is the sole legal authority under law to approve or deny who receives parole and is comprised of three members who serve six-year terms. The Bureau is a separate entity from the Board of Pardons and Paroles and is an Executive Branch agency. The governor appoints the director, who serves at the pleasure of the governor. The Bureau provides administrative and legal support for the Board. Additionally, the Bureau director is vested with all power necessary to perform the duties assigned to the Board by law, except the power to adopt rules, guidelines or other policies and to make grant or deny pardons, paroles, the restorations of political and civil rights, the remission of fines and forfeitures and the revocation of parole.
