The police chief in an Alabama city was placed on administrative leave Wednesday after the city’s mayor said a personnel matter was being investigated.

Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. announced Wednesday that Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford has been placed on ‘administrative leave with pay.’

At a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Perkins announced that State Law Enforcement Coordinator Tommie J. Reese Sr. will be interim chief until an investigation of Fulford is finished.

Perkins referred to Act. No. 2001-463 enacted by the Alabama  Legislature that became law on July 15, 2001, from a prepared statement.

“I have placed Chief Kenta Fulford on administrative leave with pay pending a pre-disciplinary hearing afforded to him by the aforementioned act, effective January 25, 2023,” Perkins said. “I am appointing Chief Tommy J. Reese Sr. interim police chief until such time as all due process requirements are afforded to Chief Fulford are completed and a final determination is made.”

Perkins said that the decision to place Fulford on administrative leave was reported to the Selma City Council per law.

“Specifics relating to this action shared with the city council in an executive session that was requested by the City Attorney (Major Madison),” Perkins said.

Reese attended the press conference but did not speak to the media. Perkins also did not take questions about the personnel move.

Selma City Council President Billy Young declined to comment because it was a personnel issue.

Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn and Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthum also attended the press conference. Fulford was sworn in as Police Chief on January 2, 2020