The finalist pool for Starkville’s vacant police chief position is down to three after former Meridian police Chief James Reed pulled out of the search, city Personnel Director Randy Boyd confirmed Monday.
Aldermen are scheduled to interview the remaining applicants — former Lowndes County Narcotics Unit commander Bobby Grimes, Columbus Police Department Capt. Frederick Shelton and Starkville Police Department Capt. Frank Nichols — during today’s 5:30 p.m. board meeting.
Each applicant is allotted 30 minutes of interview time, according to the city’s agenda. Shelton will begin the process at 6 p.m., followed by Grimes at 6:30 p.m. and Nichols at 7 p.m.
Nichols is SPD’s only internal applicant. He worked his way from patrolman to captain after joining the force in 1992. Nichols also accrued an extensive military resume after serving in both Gulf Wars.
Grimes, who retired from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, is the former Clay County Sheriff’s Department cold case unit leader. He most recently served two years as Lowndes County’s narcotics unit’s leader.
Shelton, a 30-year veteran of CPD, holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice, a bachelor’s degree in religious arts and education and a master’s degree in religious arts and Christian psychology. He is also a veteran.
The city did not give a reason behind Reed’s early exit from the police chief search. He resigned from his post in 2013 after six months of service when questions arose over his certification as a police officer. After citing personal reasons for his leave, an internal city investigation was launched over the departure.
The incoming chief is expected to: work closely with the mayor, board of aldermen and other city department heads; prepare and administer SPD’s budget; evaluate subordinates’ job performances; direct the investigations unit; and oversee all Starkville police functions.
The new hire will also have a role in the hiring process for the assistant chief’s position. Aldermen agreed earlier this month to continue forward with that search process.
The position is set at a salary grade 18 — about $65,000 to almost $87,000 annually — but the expected pay range for the new hire is capped at $77,000, according to the city’s advertising for the position.
Former SPD Chief David Lindley retired Dec. 31. The long-serving chief was placed on administrative leave by aldermen prior to accepting his resignation letter in November. Former Assistant Chief John Outlaw was named interim chief after the move. He would later say he had no interest in filling the position on a long-term basis.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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