Selma police chief placed on administrative leave

City council votes 5-1 to suspend police chief Kenta Fulford

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:08pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or handcuffs against a pitch-black background, capturing the stark, gritty, and investigative nature of the story about the suspension of the Selma police chief.The suspension of Selma's police chief underscores the need for greater accountability and reform within the city's law enforcement leadership.Montgomery Today

Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford has been placed on administrative leave following a 5-1 vote by the Selma City Council. The decision was made during a special council meeting on Friday, with Mayor Johnny Moss III citing ongoing issues within the Selma Police Department over the past several months as the reason for the suspension.

Why it matters

The suspension of the police chief is a significant development in Selma, a city that has faced challenges with its police force in recent years. This move by the city council suggests there are concerns about the leadership and management of the department that need to be addressed.

The details

During the special council meeting, members voted 5-1 to place Chief Fulford on administrative leave. Mayor Moss recommended the suspension, citing unspecified ongoing issues within the police department over the past several months as the reason for the decision.

  • The Selma City Council held a special meeting on Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • During the meeting, the council voted 5-1 to place Police Chief Kenta Fulford on administrative leave.

The players

Kenta Fulford

The police chief of Selma, Alabama who has been placed on administrative leave by the city council.

Johnny Moss III

The mayor of Selma, Alabama who recommended the suspension of Police Chief Fulford.

Selma City Council

The city council of Selma, Alabama that voted 5-1 to place the police chief on administrative leave.

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What’s next

The city council will likely conduct an investigation into the issues within the Selma Police Department that led to the chief's suspension. The council will then determine whether Chief Fulford will be reinstated or if a new police chief will be appointed.

The takeaway

The suspension of the Selma police chief highlights the ongoing challenges the city faces in maintaining effective and accountable law enforcement leadership. This decision by the city council suggests a need for greater oversight and reform within the police department to address any issues that have arisen.