Senatobia Police Chief allegedly used racial slurs in private texts

Senatobia Police Chief Harold Vanderford has allegedly used racial slurs in numerous private text messages, according to reporting from The New York Times. The 60-year-old veteran of 29 years reportedly used the N-word more than a dozen times across 10 different conversations dating back to last summer.

Vanderford reportedly described having a “racist moment” in one message and discussed using the slur while intoxicated. These allegations come as the Senatobia Police Department faces existing scrutiny following the fatal shooting of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley in June. That incident occurred while officers were responding to a shoplifting call at a Walmart.

The revelations regarding the chief’s private communications have raised further concerns regarding the culture and attitudes within the department.