Selma Names First Permanent Black Woman Police Chief

SELMA, Ala. (BAMM Network) — Selma has made history by selecting Ettice Brickus as the city’s first permanent Black woman police chief.

The Selma City Council chose Brickus in a 5-3 vote during a special meeting last week. She was one of four finalists considered for the position. 

Brickus currently serves as chief of staff and second-in-command at the Montgomery Police Department, where she oversees day-to-day operations, policy development, budgeting and strategic management. She joined Montgomery in July 2025 after nearly 24 years with the Baltimore Police Department, where she rose to deputy chief of the Neighborhood Patrol Division. 

During the Selma selection process, Brickus said her leadership vision centers on “service, integrity and trust.” 

Selma Mayor Johnny Moss III called the choice an important moment for the city.

“We need to get behind our new police chief. I think this was an amazing selection,” Moss said. 

The appointment carries added significance in Selma, a city central to the history of the civil rights movement and Black political progress in the United States.

City officials say the next step is finalizing Brickus’ contract so she can formally take over the Selma Police Department.