Selma names interim chief of police
SELMA, Ala. (WAKA) – Selma Mayor Johnny Moss, III has named an interim chief of police.
Mayor Moss says Chief Michael Perry will take over the role effective immediately.
Chief Perry will assume day-to-day operational responsibility for the department, maintaining stability, reinforcing departmental standards, and supporting officers in the field.
“Public safety is too important to allow for any disruption in leadership,” said Mayor Moss. “This action ensures that the Police Department continues to function effectively while established administrative processes move forward.”
Perry is taking over for Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford after the Selma City Council voted last Friday to put him on administrative leave.
That action came Friday in a special called meeting at the request of Mayor Moss. 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.
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.
