Ministry and Law Enforcement Go Hand-in-Hand for Gadsden State Officer

Gadsden, AL – Sgt. David Bankson of the Gadsden State Community College Police and Public Safety Department is dedicated to two callings: policing and preaching. “I support and serve my community as both a minister and a police officer,” he said. “As a minister, I provide spiritual guidance, counseling, and support while as a police officer I provide safety and security. In both roles, I’m providing care to my community.”

Bankson joined Gadsden State in September as one of the first law enforcement officers in the newly established police department. The college announced in March 2023 that it was creating a new police department to serve all five of its campuses, with Jay Freeman becoming the chief of police the following August. “I served as a school resource officer in Hokes Bluff, so I knew I liked serving in the educational environment,” Bankson said. “There’s a lot of interaction with students, staff, and administration. A college campus is a great place to create relationships. It’s not for everyone, but I like it. I think Gadsden State is a great place for me to wrap up my career.”

In May, Bankson was named Gadsden State’s Police Officer of the Year by the Alabama Law Enforcement Appreciation Foundation. He was honored along with other area police officers at a luncheon held in Oxford during National Police Week. “When I heard my name, I didn’t believe it,” he said. “I thought it was a set-up.”

Chief Freeman praised Bankson, stating, “Sgt. Bankson has an unwavering dedication to Gadsden State and to the communities we serve. His exceptional professionalism and his commitment to upholding the highest standards of law enforcement exemplify what it means to be an outstanding officer.”

Before joining Gadsden State, Bankson served in law enforcement for 18 years and has been in ministry for 25 years, the last five as pastor of Cove Creek Baptist Church in Glencoe. “People in the church aren’t perfect,” he said. “They have problems, and I help them deal with those problems. I do the same thing at Gadsden State. I’m a public servant in the church, and I’m a public servant in law enforcement. It’s all tied together.”

Bankson, who is also serving his first term on the Hokes Bluff City Council, noted that his dual roles complement each other. “Being in the ministry helps me with de-escalation matters,” he said. “Working in a secular environment helps me with those in the church. I don’t forget that people have problems. Everyone has problems. I can relate to people in both worlds. I feel like I understand people from all walks of life.”

Bankson holds a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministry and Christian Studies from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, earned in 1999. His unique blend of policing and preaching continues to be an asset to both his congregation and the community at Gadsden State.

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