Senatobia board fires police chief over racist texts
By The BriefBrief
The Board of Aldermen in Senatobia, Mississippi voted unanimously to fire Police Chief Harold “Hal” Vanderford after reporting showed he routinely used racist slurs and degrading language in text messages. The decision follows national scrutiny tied to the June fatal shooting of Black toddler Kohen Wiley.
WHO:The Board of Aldermen in Senatobia, Mississippi
WHAT:The board voted unanimously to fire Police Chief Harold “Hal” Vanderford after allegations that he sent racist text messages.
WHEN:Sep 1, 2026
WHERE:Senatobia, Mississippi
WHY:The firing was triggered by revelations that Vanderford routinely used racist slurs and degrading language about Black people in text messages.
