ACTION 8 UPDATE: Selma mayor explains why police chief was put on leave

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

Selma Mayor James Perkins, Jr. explains his recent decision to place the city’s police chief on paid administrative leave.

Perkins laid out several reasons — at a press conference at city hall Wednesday afternoon.

Some reasons include — a lack of professionalism at the police department, in addition to a lack of a proper response by police — to calls for assistance from the school system.

Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford/Source: Selma Police Department

Two Selma schools have gone to virtual learning — following a shooting involving two students last weekend.

“All of these situations show a lack of effective leadership by the police chief. Yet the city council refuses to act on these numerous documented problems.” said Perkins.

“I have no alternative but to take this action to protect the public and the school system teachers, administrators, support personnel and especially the children.”

Perkins held a private closed-door meeting with police officers Tuesday night — after announcing that Chief Fulford had been placed on leave with pay, pending a due process hearing.

It’s the second time Perkins has placed Chief Fulford on administrative leave. The first time the city council reversed his decision.

Stay tuned to Action 8 News for updates.