Selma police chief search continues as committee works to vet 11 candidates

The search for Selma’s next police chief will continue for several more weeks as members of the City Council’s Public Safety Committee work to establish a process for vetting the 11 candidates who have applied for the position.

During a meeting in council chambers Thursday, committee members estimated they would need about three weeks to review the applicants and narrow the field. Interim Police Chief Michael Perry agreed to continue leading the Selma Police Department until a new chief is selected.

The position became vacant after the City Council voted in April to remove Chief Kenta Fulford, citing concerns about administrative oversight, operational accountability, overtime management and departmental structure. Fulford resigned in early May.

The city received 11 applications for the position, including three from local candidates, according to Councilman Michael Johnson, chairman of the Public Safety Committee.

City Attorney Tommy Atchison urged committee members not to rush the selection process, saying it’s important to choose the right person to supervise the department. Mistakes in police work, he said, can have serious consequences for criminal cases and potentially expose the city to liability.

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Councilwoman Jannie Thomas suggested creating a review team that could include experienced law enforcement professionals, such as retired police chiefs or officials from other cities, to help evaluate the applicants and their qualifications.

Committee members said they are looking for a chief who is accessible, committed to strengthening the department and capable of overseeing its future growth. Councilman Clay Carmichael noted that the department currently has about 40 to 50 employees but said city leaders would like to see that number eventually grow to between 60 and 70.

The Public Safety Committee is tasked with narrowing the field to three finalists who will be presented to the full City Council for consideration.

Committee members present, Michael Johnson, Christie Young, Nadine Sturdivant, Ashley Ervin, Clay Carmichael and Jannie Thomas, said they plan to move quickly to establish a team of experts to assist with the vetting process and expect to meet again in about three weeks to continue the selection process.