The Selma Police Department entered a new chapter on Tuesday evening after the city’s mayor ordered interim chief Michael Perry to turn in his keys and all department equipment. Perry’s contract runs until September 11, but the decision to remove him came after he publicly described a dysfunctional culture and deteriorating facilities in two Action 8 News segments.
Removal and immediate transition
According to the West Alabama Newsroom, Perry was instructed to surrender his badge and any assigned gear shortly after his remarks aired. City officials have not released a detailed explanation for the dismissal, and Mayor Johnny Moss III was unavailable for comment at the time of reporting.
Action 8 News confirmed that former chief John Brock has assumed interim command of the department. Brock will oversee daily operations while the city’s law‑enforcement committee continues its search for a permanent chief.
Ongoing search for a permanent chief
The city’s four‑member law‑enforcement committee has already reviewed a dozen applicants for the chief position. The committee will compile a short list of top candidates and submit it to city leaders. Once the list is approved, the Selma City Council plans to hold public interviews with the finalists, giving residents an opportunity to hear directly from each candidate.
Background on the department’s challenges
Perry’s comments highlighted concerns about aging facilities, insufficient equipment, and a workplace culture that he described as “dysfunctional.” Those issues have been a point of discussion among local officials and community members for months, prompting calls for increased funding and modernization of the department’s resources.
While the city has not yet disclosed any specific budgetary actions to address the problems Perry raised, the interim leadership change suggests a desire to stabilize the department while the search for a long‑term chief proceeds.
What’s next for Selma’s police force?
City Council members are expected to schedule a public hearing on the chief search in the coming weeks. The hearing will likely cover the department’s current needs, the qualifications of the remaining candidates, and any proposed investments in facilities or equipment.
Community leaders and residents have expressed a strong interest in seeing the department receive the resources it needs to serve Selma effectively. The upcoming public interviews will provide a forum for those concerns to be voiced directly to the candidates.
Contact information
For further updates, readers can follow the Selma Police Department’s official channels or contact the city’s public information office.
Original reporting: Alabama News Network — read the source article.
