Ala. Code § 45-29-120.10: Probationary Employment.

All appointments of employees to which this article applies, other than temporary appointments, shall be probationary for one year from the date of appointment. A probationary employee may be discharged by the sheriff or a governmental entity at their pleasure at any time before the expiration of one year from his or her appointment. After he or she shall have served for one year in the position to which he or she was appointed or employed, such employee shall become a merit employee.