The former interim police chief of Selma, Michael Perry, issued a letter to residents on Monday about his departure.
Perry was relieved of duty on Aug. 20, a week after addressing the City Council with issues about the department and officers not performing their jobs.
Selma Mayor Johnny Moss III says his release was not because of his address to the council.
Here is the letter from Michael Perry:
As I reflect upon my service as Interim Chief of Police, I remain sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have served the people of Selma.
My time with the Selma Police Department has concluded, but my concern for the department, its employees, and the citizens it serves has not. I am thankful for the many citizens, community leaders, officers, employees, and others who welcomed us, encouraged our efforts, and supported the goal of building a stronger police department.
There has been much discussion surrounding the circumstances of my departure. I do not believe this is the time to revisit those matters. My focus remains where it was when I accepted the assignment: on the future of the Selma Police Department and the people who depend upon it.
As the City moves toward selecting its next Chief of Police, I sincerely wish the successful candidate well. Whoever is selected will assume an important responsibility and deserves every reasonable opportunity to succeed.
One of the most important things the City can provide that individual is a comprehensive and transparent transition. The incoming chief should have a clear understanding of the department's staffing, finances, facilities, fleet, equipment, policies, ongoing initiatives, operational challenges, and other matters that will immediately affect his or her ability to lead.
A successful transition is not about the outgoing chief or the incoming chief. It is about continuity of public safety and giving the next leader the information and support necessary to make informed decisions from the beginning.
I encourage city leadership, department personnel, and the community to give the next Chief of Police an opportunity to lead, establish expectations, hold the organization accountable, and make the difficult decisions that meaningful progress may require.
Selma deserves a police department that is supported, properly resourced, professionally led, and positioned to succeed. The men and women who faithfully serve within that department deserve the same.
To the citizens of Selma, thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving your community. Thank you for your encouragement, your conversations, your prayers, and your support.
Although my assignment has ended, I remain hopeful for Selma and for the future of the Selma Police Department.
May God bless the citizens of Selma, the men and women of the Selma Police Department, and the individual who accepts the responsibility of leading the department forward.
With sincere appreciation,
Michael Perry
Former Selma Interim Chief of Police
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