Greenville Spartanburg Asheville Anderson, SC, September 3, 2026 — In Senatobia, Mississippi, Police Chief Harold “Hal” Vanderford has been terminated from his position. The dismissal follows allegations that Vanderford used racial slurs in text messages. The specific details surrounding the text messages, including when they were sent or to whom, were not immediately available. The circumstances of his firing come at a time when the city is already under public scrutiny. This increased attention stems from an incident in June where a 1-year-old boy was fatally shot by police officers. The identity of the officers involved in that incident and the details of the subsequent investigation have not been detailed in the provided information. The termination of Chief Vanderford adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny faced by the Senatobia Police Department and the city itself, particularly in light of the tragic event involving the child earlier in the year. Further details regarding the process of the allegations, the investigation into the text messages, and any specific timelines related to the chief’s termination were not provided. The contractor’s name was not provided. The fine amount was not provided. The outcome of any internal or external review into the chief’s alleged conduct was also not disclosed. The city of Senatobia has not released further information regarding the leadership transition for its police department.

Story summarized from the original created by Jacob Gallant, Joyce Peterson, Lydian Coombs (Kennin), Gray News staff on www.foxcarolina.com, see more information here.

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