SPD shake-up shifts narcotics officers, puts checks on overtime
Published 11:01 pm Friday, July 26, 2019
According to two internal memoranda from Selma Police Department (SPD) Capt. Natasha Fowlkes to “all sworn officers” in the department, multiple changes will be taking place within the SPD over the coming week in what Selma City Council President Corey Bowie called a “structural reorganization” within the force.
The first notice states that, effective Monday, “all overtime will be monitored by commanding officers,” who will be responsible for approving all patrol-related overtime.
The memo goes on to state that Sgt. Ray Blanks will oversee JAG detail and approve its payroll and officers should “not show up and work any detail without Sgt. Blanks approving it first.”
The second notice states that, effective Monday, two Narcotic Unit officers will be moved to patrol shifts – one as an acting commander and K9 officer and the other as a K9 officer.
On Thursday, a third officer will be transferred from the Narcotic Unit and moved to a patrol shift.
“All misdemeanor drug arrests will continue to follow the standard procedure,” the memo states. “All officers will be responsible for his/her felony drug cases until further notice.”
For his part, Interim Chief Robert Green, who officially takes charge following outgoing SPD Chief Spencer Collier’s retirement July 31, is currently detached from the situation – Green stated that Selma Mayor Darrion Melton has him “locked out” until Aug.1, contending that Collier is still chief until that date.
It is unclear if the federal dollars granted to the city earlier this year as part of the “Weed and Seed” program are at stake, but Bowie plans to discuss the changes with U.S. Attorney Richard Moore to ensure that the funds are safe.
Bowie said that, upon taking the reins, Green will be reviewing all department policies and procedures to ensure that the department is in compliance with any requirements laid out in the grant and that “all mandates are met to continue [to] receive…federal and state funding.”
