Assistant Chief Jimmy Martin will be leading the Selma Police Department until a permanent replacement for former Chief Robert Green is found, Mayor James Perkins said.

In an interview Thursday, Perkins said Interim Chief Robert Jacobs’ retirement wouldn’t effect the SPD in any way.

“In fact, Chief Martin and Chief Jacobs had jointly performed the functions since this transaction began,” Perkins said.

For the city of Selma, the appointment of Martin is a good thing, he said.

While the SPD has undergone several changes, Perkins said he believes that by naming Jacobs interim chief and Martin assistant chief brought much needed stability to the department.

Perkins said he thinks the move ultimately helps fight crime.

“I think we are a lot better off than we were,” Perkins said.

Perkins said Thursday that Jacobs had only agreed to serve for a preset period of time. His time had already expired for some time when he turned in his retirement letter on Feb. 7.

Jacobs’ retirement took effect on Feb. 11.

Perkins began a nationwide search for Green’s replacement when the former chief was demoted, in October.

Dozens of applicants came in, some as far away as Pennsylvannia, according to Selma personnel head Director Valerie Jones.

“The response has been good,” she said in an earlier interview.

Green has filed a discrimination complaint against the city with the Equal Employement Commission, accusing the city of being racially motivated when Jacobs was appointed.

Green is currently a leuitenant with the SPD, a position before he was named chief. He’s also a finalist for a job with the Dothan Police Department, according to reports from The Dothan Eagle.

Perkins said his decision to let Martin lead the department was based on his desire to make sure the city gets the proper candidate to fill the position.

And, Perkins said he knew that Martin could provide the leadership the SPD needs during the search.

“I don’t feel a need to rush,” he said. “We really prepared.”