NATCHEZ, Miss. – The mayor Tuesday, had to again break Natchez aldermen’s tie vote as they disagree on the qualifications a new police chief should have.
Aldermen deadlocked 3-3 in moving forward with the search for someone to replace Cal Green, who’s retiring. Mayor Dan Gibson broke the tie to officially start seeking applicants suited for the job requirements, which include having at least 15 years of experience in law enforcement.
The dispute between the aldermen and the mayor is a continuation of what they began in January, when Gibson also had to break a tie just for taking the preliminary step in the search process. Green announced last month that she plans to retire after three years as police chief.
Gibson joined Aldermen Valencia Hall, Sarah Carter Smith, and Curtis Moroney in voting to formally seek applicants. Aldermen Billie Joe Frazier and Ben Davis – former Natchez police officers – were joined by Alderman Felicia Bridgewater Irving, voting against the credentials set for someone to be qualified to oversee the Natchez Police Department.
Applicants to consider must have at least 15 years of experience as a professional police officer with at least three years in a high-ranking commanding post. Aldermen said they prefer to have someone with a bachelor’s degree, but that’s not required. Gibson noted many accomplished political and business leaders don’t have college degrees.
In speaking out against the job prerequisites being approved, Davis said a chief should have worked at least five years as a high-ranking police officer.
Gibson said last month he wanted preference given to someone already working in the NPD, but aldermen said the process shouldn’t be tilted for promoting someone from within.
Frazier – who voted against appointing Green in 2023 – alleged the NPD in recent years has diminished into “shambles” where “morale is low – very low.”
Hall called Frazier’s criticism a “travesty” as Green was subjected to having her “name dragged through the mud in an open meeting.”
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