GULF SHORES — The Gulf Shores Police Department is taking a proactive approach to Spring Break 2026 by placing more patrols and relying on technology and training.
Just last week, 18 individuals were arrested and six firearms were confiscated in a single day, thanks to the effort. Police chief Daniel Netemeyer told 1819 News the efforts are to deter what’s known as a “beach takeover,” and to ensure residents and visitors stay safe in the “family-friendly” city.
“We aren’t going to allow the tourists who are coming here to the beach to enjoy it the way it's meant to be, to have their time ruined by some kid carrying a gun for reasons he doesn't even know why,” Netemeyer said.
Netemeyer started plans for Spring Break last year. Gulf Shores partnered with the Myrtle Beach Police Department to host a conference for law enforcement agencies and city administrators who deal with Spring Breakers. What they found was a common thread among young people who turn to gun violence to solve problems.
“What we found was somewhat alarming, and that’s that no one has a good answer for juveniles with guns,” Netemeyer said.
Gulf Shores had shootings in 2023 and 2024 during Spring Break, but Netemeyer said the issue isn’t isolated to Alabama’s beaches.
“This isn't unique to Gulf Shores,” he said. “It isn't unique. It's a problem that all beachfront areas are having. Panama City, Myrtle Beach, Virginia Beach, Miami, you know, everybody's having the same problem, and it's just the kids with guns.”
Netemeyer said the consequences are tragic when someone loses their life, but he wants to do all he can to protect the innocent bystanders in his city. The department has enlisted the help of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office to get more patrols.
The department was put on alert last week when juveniles from Mobile County came to town as part of their “senior skip day.” Netemeyer said that when beach businesses called to report suspicious activity, the plan was put into place, and that’s why 18 arrests were made.
“We implemented our plan, and our plan is to get myself, the command staff, the investigators, the school resource officers, the marine unit, have day shift holdover late, call in night shift early, and just blanket the beach,” he explained. “And what we found is as normal, an overwhelming majority of the kids down there appreciated us being there; they felt safer with us being there. They weren't at all intimidated by our presence. But the agitators were the ones who ended up causing problems, and a lot of them ended up going to jail.”
Netemeyer said some of the issues seen at the beach are likely gang-related. In fact, one of the subjects arrested last week was a victim in the 2024 Spring Break shooting.
“They go to that new nuclear reaction, and we work hard,” Netemeyer said. “I'm very proud of the work the men and women did of the Gulf Shores Police Department. What we did, based on the mood and the vibe of things going down there, we probably prevented a couple shootings last Tuesday.”
Netemeyer said he has also contacted state officials and representatives to garner support from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). He said that with Baldwin County Beaches bringing in large amounts of tourism revenue, it is in the state’s best interest to help protect the people.
“We here in Baldwin County are responsible for 35% of the tourism revenue that comes into the state of Alabama,” Netemeyer said. “Between us and Mobile, we're 45% of tourism dollars that come into the state of Alabama and we basically said if we are no longer a popular tourist destination, this impacts the entire state.”
The department is also partnering with local businesses. Netemeyer said the reaction has been positive.
“We're taking what I have described as a proactive posture on our beaches,” Netemeyer added. “We aren't waiting for the incident to occur and then saying, ‘Hey, this happened.’ We're going down before they even get here, or as they're arriving, and we're addressing it and letting our presence be known.”
Gulf Shores has an alcohol ban in effect throughout the Spring Break season. No alcohol is allowed on the beach through April 28.
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