Selma police chief put on administrative leave

SELMA, Ala. (WAKA) – The Selma City Council has voted to put Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford on administrative leave.

That action came Friday in a special called meeting at the request of Mayor Johnny Moss, III. He told council members that over the past several months, there have been several issues in the police department involving overtime, staffing, scheduling, overtime policies and accountability.

Moss said there has been a “consistent pattern of non-compliance, lack of responsiveness and a breakdown in administrative and operational control.” He said the issues have not been isolated.

“A change in leadership is necessary,” Moss told the council.

The council voted 5-1 to put Fulford on administrative leave pending a pre-disciplinary hearing.

Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford/Source: Selma Police Department

Council member Jannie Thomas had asked that the vote be delayed so that the council could hear from Chief Fulford, who wasn’t at the meeting. Mayor Moss said that Chief Fulford was on National Guard duty but that if he had been present, he wouldn’t be able to speak to council at the meeting. Mayor Moss said that Chief Fulford would be granted due process.

Fulford was named police chief in late 2019 and took office in early 2020, when James Perkins, Jr., was mayor. Mayor Moss has been in office since last year.

Chief Fulford was previously put on administrative leave in 2023 and again in 2024.

WATCH THE CITY COUNCIL VOTE BELOW: