The Selma Times-Journal

The wait for Selma&8217;s new police chief has been extended.

It was expected that Mayor James Perkins Jr. would name a replacement for Jimmy Martin after interviews Wednesday afternoon, but that process has been lengthened.

Perkins had closed-door meeting with candidates Lt. Curtis Brame, Capt. William T. Riley III and Capt. Terry B. Essex for most of the day.

Attempts to reach Perkins for comment were unsuccessful.

Essex has the closest ties to the Selma area, serving as the assistant commander of the Community Oriented Policing Division of the Montgomery Police Department. He has been a captain with the department for four and a half years.

Riley heads the criminal investigative division for the Newport News Police Department in Virginia.

Brame has unspecified duties with the North Chicago Police Department.

Perkins called the candidates &8220;outstanding&8221; during earlier interviews and had said he planned to make an expedient decision on the city&8217;s new police leader.

Martin resigned in June, citing a desire to spend more time with his family and work in his ministry. He promised to remain in his duties until the city found a replacement. He is expected to stay on with the SPD in a reduced role.