Selma city leaders hosted a Public Safety Committee meeting Wednesday night to discuss ways to address crime issues that have plagued the city for years.
The meeting was organized following a series of recent shootings that claimed the lives of three youths in a short period of time, including a 2-year-old child who died in Selmont last week.
About 40 residents gathered in the City Hall chambers to hear from officials and ask questions about the city's plans to improve public safety.
Interim Police Chief Michael Perry outlined efforts to expand security camera coverage throughout the city, strengthen penalties for discharging firearms and rebuild trust between residents and law enforcement. He said improving community relationships is essential to encouraging residents to share information about crimes without fear of retaliation.
Also attending the meeting were Mayor Johnny Moss III, Council President Kennard Randolph and council members Jannie Thomas, Ashley Irvin, Nadine Sturdivant and Lesia James. Public Safety Committee Chairman Michael Johnson led the meeting.
Having served as interim chief for only a month, Perry said the city's crime problems developed over many years and will not be solved overnight.
"I'm not going to sugar coat anything — we have a problem," Perry said. "I am going to do everything in my power to fix this."
Perry said the Selma Police Department has been working closely with federal, state and local law enforcement partners, including the U.S. Attorney's Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Alabama State Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the drug task force and the Dallas County Sheriff's Office.
He said four felony arrests have already been made involving individuals believed to be responsible for a significant amount of criminal activity in the city.
"We have so many shootings, you can't sit on your porch or even in your house," Perry said. "They're shooting up cars — it's ridiculous."
Perry said he accompanied U.S. Marshals at 3 a.m. Wednesday as officers went door-to-door at apartment complexes where authorities believe two of the four inmates who escaped from Perry County Correctional Facility on Saturday may be receiving shelter.
Among recommendations presented to the committee, Perry urged the City Council to increase penalties for discharging firearms and reduce the number of offenses required before enhanced charges can be filed.
The chief also said the city needs to expand its network of surveillance cameras, particularly in high-crime areas. Johnson said the city will explore changing camera vendors from Selcom to Alabama Power, an issue that generated significant debate in 2024.
Johnson questioned whether the flashing blue lights on existing cameras actually deter crime, suggesting they may instead alert criminals to avoid monitored areas.
Perry highlighted Flock camera technology, which he said helped authorities in the Birmingham-area community of Midfield locate one of the escaped inmates by tracking the license plate of a stolen vehicle.
He also credited the U.S. Marshals Service with helping reduce shootings and fights downtown by disrupting gathering locations where problems frequently occur.
"It sends a message that we're not going to tolerate it," Perry said.
Johnson said the committee plans to meet with downtown business and nightclub owners to discuss security requirements. Perry noted that security personnel must be properly licensed.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Randolph said city officials are working behind the scenes and making difficult decisions aimed at reducing crime.
Thomas said Ward 7 has experienced an increase in burglaries, including break-ins at homes and a church where items such as televisions and keyboards were stolen. She requested increased patrols and improved street lighting.
Perry acknowledged that the police department remains understaffed but said the Dallas County Sheriff's Office has been assisting with patrol operations.
Moss said city officials will meet with Alabama Power next week to discuss adding streetlights and increasing brightness in areas where lighting is inadequate. He encouraged residents to submit locations where improvements are needed to City Hall.
The mayor also said the city is actively recruiting additional police officers.
One resident suggested creating a citizen advisory board that would allow residents to share information gathered within their neighborhoods. Randolph expressed support for the idea, saying it could help residents feel more comfortable providing information about criminal activity without fear of retaliation.
When another resident asked about upgrading police technology, Moss said the city has reduced what he described as excessive overtime spending, which previously resulted in some officers earning annual salaries of $118,000 to $150,000.
With overtime costs better controlled, Moss said additional funds could be directed toward equipment purchases and other departmental needs.
Before adjourning the meeting, Johnson said another public safety meeting will be scheduled soon and will include representatives from additional law enforcement agencies, along with more time for public questions.
Randolph said residents can expect continued meetings and greater visibility from city officials.
"We are working for you and doing all we can to make the city safer by any means necessary," Randolph said.
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