Police Academy graduation puts more officers on the streets

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

The Selma Police Department — and the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office — were two of nineteen law enforcement agencies that had new officers among a new graduating class of the police academy.

Selma PD has raised the starting pay for officers — in an effort to attract new officers. And Chief Kenta Fulford says he has an officer dedicated to recruiting qualified candidates for a career in law enforcement.

“She’s attended job fairs and universities. So, we’re out here in the streets and in these universities trying to recruit good quality people to serve the city of Selma,” he said.

SPD had one officer graduate from the academy.

“There are some good people that actually love their city and their towns that they serve in, and they want to serve. And we’re always looking for those type of people that love their towns,” said Fulford.

The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office had two new deputies in the graduating class. And both are eager to serve the community.

“This was basically my dream job. And so it took me a little while to actually reach out for it, but we’re here now and I’m going to try to make the best f it with the rest of my life that I got left,” said Douglas Agee.

“I really just want to protect and serve in my community,” said Jeremy Perkins.

“I just want to give back to my community.”

The recruitment and retention of new officers remains a top priority for law enforcement agencies across the nation.