Hearing on future of Selma police chief set for May 6

A hearing regarding the future of Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford has been set for May 6, Selma Mayor Johnny Moss III announced Monday.

The hearing will be at 6 p.m. in the city council chambers, according to a statement from Moss.

Fulford has been on administrative leave since April 10. He was placed on administrative leave twice during the administration of James Perkins Jr. but was reinstated by the Selma City Council both times.

“The hearing will provide an opportunity for Chief Fulford to respond to matters related to departmental management and administrative oversight,” the statement says. “The city will also present information as part of a structured and transparent review process.”

The outcome of the hearing will be determined by the Selma City Council following the presentation of all relevant information, according to the statement. Moss said a decision is not likely Wednesday night.

More from this section

How Paddington Bear ended up in the back of a police van

Stranded whale 'Timmy' released into North Sea in dramatic rescue

'No pilgrims': regional war hushes Iraq's holy cities

“This hearing is an important step in ensuring accountability and maintaining the highest standards of leadership within our Police Department,” Moss said in the statement. “We are committed to a fair and thorough process that respects due process while keeping the safety and trust of our community at the forefront.”

The statement says that since Michael Perry was appointed interim chief on April 14, “the department has begun implementing operational adjustments focused on improved structure, oversight and responsiveness.”

In an interview with BBNN, Moss said Perry has brought stability and tighter oversight to the department. “I think Chief Perry has done a fine job maintaining control and fiscal responsibility. He has good oversight into the excessive overtime and just a level of professionalism in the police department,” Moss said.

The mayor also noted visible operational changes in recent weeks, including increased patrol presence and improved response times. He credited Perry with restructuring shifts and patrol strategies. “I think he’s just made some changes that have been very impactful over the last two and a half weeks,” Moss said.

If Fulford is reinstated, Moss said he hopes the improvements remain in place but acknowledged that operational decisions would again fall under Fulford’s authority. “I’d hope that they would stay in place, but again, if he is reinstated, he’s still chief of police, so he makes the day-to-day operational changes,” he said.