The Selma Times-Journal

Selma might be closer to finding a chief of police.

Mayor James Perkins Jr. said consultants hired to find Selma’s next top cop had several excellent candidates, which could move up the process. Perkins wants to have the position filled by late December.

Chief Jimmy Martin submitted his resignation June 18, but agreed to stay on until a replacement is named. He was appointed by Perkins as an interim and later hired as chief in 2004.

In his letter of resignation, Martin said he wanted to spend more time with his family and his ministry.

Yet, during the last year, the Selma Police Department has seen several officers fired after allegations of wrongdoing on and off the job.

The firm has said they expect the salary range would be upward of $60,000 a year. Martin’s salary had been $49,000 a year.