NATCHEZ, Miss. – The mayor and aldermen applauded ready-to-retire Natchez Police Chief Cal Green on Tuesday as she gave an emotional rebuttal to criticism voiced at last month’s city board meeting against her and the Natchez Police Department.
“I will not have anybody ever question the job that I did with my best intentions, and I will continue to do that job,” she told Mayor Dan Gibson and the Board of Aldermen.
The mayor — telling Green how much “I appreciate and admire and respect you” – gave her time to respond to complaints largely recounted in February by Alderman Billie Joe Frazier.
This came as the mayor — allied with three aldermen – have clashed with three other aldermen on how to find someone to replace Green as she plans to retire. She announced in January she’s ready after three years as police chief and 28 years in law enforcement.
Aldermen deadlocked 3-3 last month in moving forward with the search for someone to replace Green as they argued over the credentials set for applicants. Gibson broke the tie to officially start seeking candidates suited for the job requirements, which include having at least 15 years experience in law enforcement.
During the debate at the Feb. 24 meeting that split the board, Frazier criticized the NPD’s operations under Green’s leadership the past three years. At Tuesday’s board meeting, Green took the podium to defend herself and her police officers.
“I would like to give them all the accolades that they deserve for the job that they have done for this city and for me for the time that I’ve been here,” she said.
Gibson commended Green and led a round of applause as she concluded her remarks.
“Thank you for your service all these 28 years, and going on longer,” he told Green, who worked for the Adams County Sheriff’s Office before coming to the NPD.
Frazier – a former Natchez police officer who voted against appointing Green chief in 2023 – said he hasn’t demeaned her in critiquing the department.
“You did the best you can with what you had,” he told Green, the first Black female ever to head the Natchez Police Department. “I would never belittle you in any kind of way – because I had the utmost respect for you as the first Black woman police chief.”
In last month’s vote to advance the search process for a new chief, Gibson joined Aldermen Valencia Hall, Sarah Carter Smith and Curtis Moroney to set the job requirements and seek applicants. Frazier was joined by Aldermen Ben Davis – also a former Natchez police officer – and Felicia Bridgewater Irving in dissent.
Applicants to consider must have at least 15 years 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.
In speaking out against the job prerequisites as approved, Davis alleged the standards were lowered to ensure a candidate already favored to be appointed would qualify.
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