Search for new police chief ramps up in Selma
From the West Alabama Newsroom–
The search for a new permanent police chief in the city of Selma is beginning to ramp up.
A dozen candidates have applied for the job and the search committee could begin interviews as soon as this week.
Interim police chief Michael Perry says the next Selma Police Chief will have his work cut out for him — trying to fix all the problems that exist within the police force.
Perry says his efforts to improve the department — have been met with resistance from some officers.
But he says outside influences have had an even greater impact on the state of the department.
Perry says political interference — may be the single greatest cause — for the condition and climate at SPD.
And it’s a big reason why he isn’t interested in the permanent position.
“I’ve already experienced political push back,” Perry said.
“So, when I saw the political resistance, it was no way possible that I was going to come in, straighten out a department in this condition, fight crime as well and hold everybody else accountable. And then turn around and fight politics, it’s just not going to work.”
Perry says it’s important for city leaders to make the right choice for the next police chief. And it’s just as important to allow that chief — to do the job.
Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthum — and Chief Deputy John Hatfield — Wilcox County Sherriff Larry Colston — and former Wallace Community College Selma Police Chief Keith Jackson — make up the city’s police chief search committee.
