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Kenta Fulford addressed the Selma City Council on Dec. 12, updating the council about needs for the department.

Fulford told the city council members that the Selma Police Department (SPD) needs three new officers, two evidence technicians and a front desk clerk. One of those positions also serves as a school crossing guard.

One evidence tech, Kemyron Hope, was murdered on Nov. 22. The other evidence tech resigned during the first week of December.

“Detectives have to fill in; it will be hard to replace them,” Fulford said. “And, paying them $12 an hour won’t do. We need to pay them $16 an hour.”

City Council President Billy Young, council members Sam Randolph, Jannie Thomas, Christie Thomas, Clay Carmichael, Michael Johnson, Lesia James and Troy Harvill were present at the meeting.

Jannie Thomas said evidence techs are important to the SPD.

Christie Thomas said the funds could come from the $100,000 overtime budget to hire new hires, but Fulford said that wouldn’t work.

“The overtime budget is  for officers who work during the Bridge Crossing Jubilee and other special events,” Fulford said.

Fulford plans to send the city council a copy of the SPD budget. Young said that he and the city council will look over the proposal.