Ettice Brickus Makes History as Selma’s First Black Woman Police Chief

Selma, Alabama is making history with the appointment of Ettice Brickus as its next police chief, making her the first Black woman to lead the Selma Police Department in the city’s 206-year history.

The Selma City Council selected Brickus by a 5-3 vote during a special meeting on Sept. 3. She was chosen from a field of four candidates and is expected to take full command of the department in the coming weeks.

Brickus brings more than 25 years of law enforcement experience to the position. She spent more than two decades with the Baltimore Police Department, where she rose to the rank of deputy chief. She later joined the Montgomery Police Department, where she currently serves as deputy chief and chief of staff.

Her experience includes neighborhood patrol, investigations, special events, recruitment, records management, juvenile and adult intake, administrative operations and strategic planning. Brickus has said that strengthening the department, improving internal structure and rebuilding trust with the community will be among her priorities.

Following her historic appointment, the Selma City Council unanimously approved a resolution on Sept. 8 establishing Brickus’ annual salary at $120,000.

Mayor Johnny Moss III said the city needs to support Brickus as she begins leading the department. He described her selection as an important decision for Selma and said city officials, police personnel and residents should work together behind the new chief.

The position is classified as an executive role exempt from overtime compensation. City officials said the salary reflects the responsibilities of leading the department and is intended to help attract experienced leadership as Selma works to strengthen public safety, recruit officers and improve departmental stability.

Brickus will also be required to maintain permanent residency within Selma. Her appointment follows a period of interim leadership and represents a new chapter for the police department.

For Selma, Brickus’ appointment carries both historical significance and the responsibility of leading a department as city officials seek greater stability and stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community.