In the wake of two shootings during Selma’s Bridge Crossing Jubilee weekend, the Dallas County Commission used its Monday, March 9 regular meeting to voice sharp concerns about public safety and the Selma Police Department’s preparedness.
The shootings, one Friday night on Alabama Avenue that injured six people, and another Saturday evening near the Riverfront Amphitheater on Water Avenue where two 18 year olds were shot, prompted commissioners to say the city must stop “making excuses” and take stronger action to protect residents and visitors.
Emergency Management Agency Director Toya Stiles-Crusoe hosted a formal “hot wash” after-action review on Wednesday morning in the commission courtroom. Representatives from law enforcement, fire, ADPH, ALEA and other agencies participate.
Commissioners are concerned, saying there were serious failures in Selma’s security presence during the city’s largest annual event.
Commissioner Connel Towns, who said he was downtown during Friday’s shooting, delivered the strongest criticism. “What I witnessed, the police was overlooked. They paid the police officer no attention,” Towns said. “I see a lack of strength in the police department controlling the city of Selma. You got thousands of people walking the street Friday night, and they got two police officers riding up and down the street.”
Towns said the department repeatedly cites being shorthanded, but he believes that explanation has worn thin. “They done played that record too long,” he said. He called for a joint meeting of the city council, county commission, mayor, police chief, sheriff, and probate judge to address the issue collectively. “Until we come together as one, I don’t see nothing happening.”
Commissioner William Lumpkin echoed the frustration, saying the city must stop “making excuses” and work with county leaders to improve safety. “Our job up here is to represent the people,” Lumpkin said. “They need to work with us, but I don’t know why they won’t work.”
Commission Chair Judge Jimmy Nunn stressed that the shootings harm not only Selma’s image but the entire county’s. “If the city of Selma looks bad, then Dallas County looks bad,” Nunn said. He noted that his own family had left the Jubilee area just minutes before Saturday’s shooting. “We do have to do a better job as it relates to protecting our citizens. We cannot let this continue.”
Nunn said he believes the Selma City Council and Mayor Johnny Moss III will take action, but emphasized that county leaders stand ready to assist. “It’s a huge event that not only profits the city of Selma, but it profits Dallas County,” he said. “We don’t need this black eye.”
Stiles-Crusoe, who was also near the scene during the gunfire, reminded commissioners that her role is coordination, not command. “I’m not in charge of anything,” she said. “I’m here just for resources that we do not have available in the county. But I conduct these meetings because I believe in everything being done decent and in order.”
The commission concluded the discussion by reaffirming that next year’s Jubilee must have stronger security measures, including the possibility of controlled entrances and a larger police presence, to prevent a repeat of this year’s violence.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.