The Selma City Council moved one step closer to appointing a new police chief on Friday, holding open interviews with the four finalists at the Selma Convention Center. The decision to conduct the interviews publicly reflected strong community interest in the future of local law enforcement.

Candidates and Interview Process

The finalists—Theophilus Smith, Ettice Brickus, Robbie Autery, and Kenny Harden—each answered the same set of questions posed by council members and an audience of roughly one hundred residents. Topics covered included improving public trust, managing crises, recruiting and retaining qualified officers, and effectively leading a department with limited resources.

Council Emphasizes Transparency

Council President Kennard Randolph explained that the open format was chosen to give citizens a clear view of the candidates. “Overall, I think it went well. As a city council, we wanted to make sure that the public had the opportunity to see the candidates,” Randolph said. He added that while a private executive‑session interview was an option, the council felt the public interest warranted an open process.

Next Steps

Following the interviews, council members will take additional time to evaluate each finalist’s responses and qualifications. The council expects to make a final selection and announce the new police chief by September.

Community Impact

The open interview format underscores Selma’s commitment to transparency and community involvement in public‑safety decisions. Residents who attended expressed appreciation for the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and ask questions about how the department will address local concerns.

Selma’s ongoing focus on rebuilding trust between law enforcement and the community aligns with broader efforts across Alabama to strengthen public safety while respecting constitutional rights and family values.

Original reporting: Alabama News Network — read the source article.