Barrett Road Methodist Church was at its capacity for the Ward 1 Public Safety meeting on Thursday.

Selma Police Chief Spencer Collier and Dallas County Circuit Court Judge Bob Armstrong both answered questions to Ward 1 residents about law enforcement and the legal system. Carl Bowline is Ward 1’s Councilman.

Before speaking, Collier announced to the audience that starting Sept. 1, he’ll become a full-time resident in Selma. He’s been police chief 18 months.

“It adds an additional two hours to my day,” Collier said. “I’m fortunate to be here. We’re looking forward.”

Residents had mixed questions for Collier, ranging from the department’s needs going forward to protecting the city.

The items Collier pitched for the city budget included two school resource officers, rifle-plated vests, software, more officers and more patrol cars. The additional items would cost an additional $1 million to the police portion of the budget.

“If public safety is top priority, give me the tools to do this job,” Collier said. “If we make this decision, it’s my responsibility.”

The city is currently operating on the 2016-17 budget this year. The fiscal year ends on Sept. 30. The City Council and Treasurer Ronita Wade plan to meet with Mayor Darrio Melton about the upcoming budget this month.

“We should be Fiscally responsible,” Bowline said. “Hard decisions will have to be made. I have faith we’ll get a budget delivered.”

Collier spoke passionately about the SPD, which currently has 54 members.

“Guys are putting their lives on the line,” Collier said. “We have challenges, but we also have successes.”

Collier urged the residents to contact him and the department about possible crimes taking place in Ward 1.

“I can’t fix problems I don’t know about,” Collier said.

Armstrong spoke briefly about the bonding process.

“The District Attorney’s looking to prosecute, the defendant’s protecting his client, the judge has to think about being fair to the victim and the community. The system isn’t perfect, but it works fairly well,” he said.

Selma mayor Darrio Melton, City Council President Corey Bowie were also present at the Ward 1 meeting.

Melton did not speak.