Selma Police Department gets new officers and patrol vehicles

The city of Selma has added new police officers and patrol vehicles to the police force.

Mayor James Perkins, Jr. made the announcement Tuesday afternoon during a press conference at Bloch Park.

Perkins says the police department has hired five new officers who are already on the job. He says ten new vehicles have been leased and put into service. And he’s planning to ask the city council for five more.

Perkins says the new cars and officers — are an investment in public safety.

“The reason that we’re here today is to share this information with the public because the public needs to know where its money is going and what actually is taking place in Selma as it relates to public safety,” said Perkins.

“To get a new fleet of vehicles would help tremendously on the amount of monies that we’re paying monthly on vehicle maintenance to upkeep old vehicles,” said Interim Chief Natasha Fowlkes.

The new vehicles are costing the city $10,000 dollars a month — for 60 months.

Perkins says the police department has also hired two new evidence technicians.

Perkins placed Police Chief Kenta Fulford — on administrative leave — earlier this month.

A due process hearing for Fulford — is set for tomorrow at 5 PM at city hall.