Selma public safety committee to review crime-fighting measures after recent violence surge

As Selma grapples with years of violence and a surge recently that claimed the lives of three young people, including a 2-year-old child, city leaders will gather Wednesday to discuss new public safety initiatives and crime prevention measures.

The Selma City Council's Public Safety Committee is scheduled to meet Wednesday at 6 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall to hear updates from Interim Police Chief Michael Perry on several efforts aimed at addressing crime and improving public safety throughout the city.

The meeting comes after a series of shootings shook the community and prompted a multi-agency law enforcement effort to reduce crime. The deaths of three young people, including a toddler caught in gunfire, have sparked concern and frustration among citizens seeking answers and solutions to the city's ongoing crime challenges.

Perry is expected to outline several new processes and initiatives being implemented by the Selma Police Department as he works to address criminal activity and strengthen public safety efforts.

Among the topics on the agenda is a review of an ordinance establishing penalties for the discharge of firearms within the city. The chief will also provide an update on the city's camera surveillance system and review the contract associated with the technology, which officials hope can aid investigations and deter criminal activity.

The committee will also revisit discussions surrounding security requirements for businesses operating during nighttime hours. Perry is expected to discuss local laws related to security plans for downtown club owners, an issue that gained attention after six people were wounded in a shooting outside a club on Alabama Avenue in early March.

More from this section

How gas prices have changed in Mobile in the last week

Alabama Has the 7th Best Safety Manager Ratio in the U.S.

Experts warn vaping alters genes, fruit flavors do most damage

Councilman Michael Johnson, who chairs the Public Safety Committee, will lead a review of a proposed ordinance to address nuisance issues and improve safety in areas where large crowds gather.

The agenda also includes an open discussion period, which could provide committee members and residents an opportunity to raise concerns and offer suggestions regarding public safety issues facing the city.

In addition, Perry is scheduled to present a 2026 weekly crime report. No citywide crime data has been publicly released this year or in recent years, making the report a potentially significant source of information about crime trends and law enforcement activity in Selma.

With residents demanding action following the recent shootings, Wednesday's meeting could offer the first public look at how city leaders and law enforcement plan to respond to growing concerns about crime and violence.

The Public Safety Committee meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall and is open to the public.