Ala. Code § 12-17-272
Special roving reporters may be appointed and serve at the pleasure of the Administrative Director of Courts on either a part-time or full-time basis and shall perform duties at places and in such manner as prescribed by the Administrative Director of Courts. The rate of compensation of such special roving reporter shall be established by the Administrative Director of Courts. Special reporters may be employed by a circuit judge or district court judge, as the work of the court requires, subject to prior approval of the Administrative Director of Courts as to the need of such employment, length of employment, amount of compensation and use thereof. Transcript fees of special roving reporters and special reporters shall be paid at the rate set for court reporters, pursuant to Section 12-17-276. The Administrative Director of Courts shall promulgate regulations providing for use by judges of official court reporters or previously appointed special roving reporters and special reporters when these reporters are not otherwise officially engaged in order that special reporters only be appointed when official reporters and special roving reporters are not available.
Ala. Code § 12-17-272 (1975)