Selma Police Chief Jamie Hughes Announces Retirement

SELMA — After more than two decades of dedicated service, Selma Police Chief Jamie Hughes has announced he will retire, closing a distinguished law enforcement career. Hughes will officially step down on April 1, 2026.

A lifelong resident of Johnston County, Hughes graduated from Princeton High School in 1994 and began his law enforcement career with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office in 1999. He joined the Selma Police Department in 2001 as a patrol officer and steadily rose through the ranks, earning Officer of the Year honors in 2005. He served as K-9 handler from 2005 to 2008, was promoted to Detective Sergeant in 2011, Captain of Investigations in 2018, Major in 2022, and became Police Chief in 2023.

Hughes was officially sworn in as Chief in October 2023, replacing retired Chief Billy Thomas.

During his tenure as Chief, Hughes modernized the department with upgraded officer equipment, body-worn and in-car cameras, advanced technology such as Flock Safety cameras, Panasonic Toughbooks, and a drone program, all while securing grants that required little to no town funding.

Chief Hughes expanded the department by adding patrol staff, creating new officer positions, introducing a police take-home vehicle program, adding a new K-9 named Tank, and improving investigative tools, including a fully updated interview room and a revised policy manual.

Hughes also prioritized officer well-being through competitive salaries, enhanced equipment, and programs designed to recruit and retain top talent. Under his leadership, Selma saw a steady decrease in both violent and property crime.

“These achievements reflect far more than progress; they reflect a Chief who never stopped fighting for his officers, his department, and the people he served,” the town said in an official statement.

Chief Hughes’ impact on Selma law enforcement, officials say, will be felt for generations to come.