Police Chief Robert Green said on Monday night that Selma has 55 officers and that they need pay increases. Our city government shouldn’t argue about what funds, if any, will be used to give those increases. Funds should be found and earmarked for our officers immediately.

Green brought several problems to the attention of the council Monday, mainly the shortage of officers and the need for pay raises.

These problems aren’t limited to youth who don’t have basketball courts or the need for a summer youth employment program.

If our police officers don’t have adequate salaries, it’s everyone’s problem in Selma. These men and women put their lives on the line for our safety. They don’t just deserve our respect or thanks. They deserve a raise and not with all deliberate speed, but right now.

The council earmarked tens of thousands of dollars on Monday for a public access television channel, a group work camp to repair homes and Selma’s Summer Youth Employment Program. When Green requested raises, Councilman James Durry noted that the council had found the funds for other projects. “We need to take a look at how we’re doing things,” Durry said on Monday.

Not only does the council need to look at how it’s doing things, but it also needs to take another look at the books and see how our officers can receive raises before any more of them leave for greener pastures.