NATCHEZ — Following a specially called closed-door meeting of the Natchez Board of Aldermen Thursday morning, Ward 2 Alderman Billie Joe Frazier made a motion to terminate Police Chief Daniel White, but the board ultimately deferred any action on the matter until Tuesday.

Frazier stated his motion as the city needing to “go in a different direction” with the police chief position.

White was not present at the meeting.

Following comments from the Rev. Stanley Searcy accusing Mayor Darryl Grennell of an attempt to push White out as police chief, among other remarks, Ward 5 Alderman Benjamin Davis made a motion to table the matter until Tuesday’s regularly scheduled meeting.

Grennell said any suggestions that he is attempting to push White out are “a lie.”

White and the Natchez Police Department have faced increased scrutiny in recent months following a series of robberies, burglaries and other crimes that led to public complaints from residents at recent aldermen meetings.