Video: Interviews Set for Four Starkville Chief Finalists

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) — Starkville could have a new police chief as early as next Tuesday’s Board of Aldermen meeting.

Four candidates will be interviewed during the meeting. Capt. Frank Nichols is the only Starkville police officer among the four finalists.

Bobby Grimes, the commander of the Lowndes County Narcotics Unit, has also applied to be Starkville’s top cop.

Capt. Fred Shelton of the Columbus Police Department and James Reed from Jacksonville, N.C., also will be interviewed by city leaders.

It’s unclear when a decision will be made. The board meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.

The position has been vacant since long-time chief David Lindley was forced into retirement almost two months ago over the handling of an accident report involving his wife. Nichols has been serving as interim chief.

Aldermen have been criticized for only advertising the position for a week and not advertising outside the local area. Some critics say that procedure suggests Nichols already is the aldermen’s choice and the rest was just a show.