Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford resigns

Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford resigned from the police department’s top position on Wednesday just as the City Council was preparing to hold a personnel hearing about his being placed on administrative leave in April.

In the special called meeting Wednesday, the Selma City Council unanimously accepted Fulford's resignation and a settlement agreement that came following negotiations. Fulford was not present at the meeting.

As part of the settlement, Fulford will remain with the Selma Police Department and return to his previous position of lieutenant as he prepares for retirement. Interim Chief Michael Perry will continue as interim chief and the city will advertise for a new chief.

At the meeting, Mayor Johnny Moss III thanked Fulford for his service and said the city would continue operating without disruption. He described the decision as part of a broader effort to strengthen public safety and address ongoing crime concerns. “Our officers deserve leadership that’s steady, responsive and proactive,” he said. “Our citizens deserve that too.”

In a statement, Fulford said the decision to resign was not made lightly and is “in the best interest of myself, my family, and the dedicated employees of the Selma Police Department.” He added that “the ongoing strain has become mentally and emotionally draining for me and my family.”

“As many of you know, I have been placed on administrative leave three times during my tenure, twice under former Mayor James Perkins Jr. and most recently under the newly elected Mayor Johnny Moss III,” Fulford said. “I refuse to continue repeating this cycle while my name is publicly challenged and the progress of the department is hindered.”

Fulford said he has “always done my very best with the resources and support available to me.”

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“Those who know my character understand that I would never intentionally do anything that was not in the best interest of the Selma Police Department and the community we serve,” Fulford said.

Moss said in a statement that the city appreciates Chief Fulford’s service provided to the community with theSelma Police Department, and they “remain committed to working collaboratively to move the department and the city forward.”

Fulford was placed on administrative leave on April 10 after the city conducted a comprehensive review of the police department’s operations and found concerns related to administrative oversight, operational accountability, overtime management and departmental structure.

Moss said the city's focus now turns toward stabilization, staffing and long-term improvement across all public safety operations.

"Our focus moving forward is ensuring that the Selma Police Department is properly staffed, properly supported and operating with strong accountability and leadership," Moss said. "This must be a comprehensive approach, not only forpolice services, but across all departments responsible for serving the people of Selma. The safety and future of our community depend on it."

Moss added the city’s focus is on strengthening recruitment, improving operational efficiency and aligning future budget priorities with the needs of public safety personnel and city employees. "This starts with real priorities and real solutionsduring our budget discussions. We cannot continue business as usual and expect different results."

Moss said there will be a separate announcement about operational initiatives within the Police Department.