Columbia City Council set to vote on new CPD evidence system Monday

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia City Council is set to discuss and vote on a plan for a new evidence system for the Columbia Police Department Monday at 7 p.m. in City Hall.

The department is asking for $208,934 from the asset forfeiture fund to purchase gun identification technology that will help police be more effective in solving violent crimes in the city.

The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network is an evidence system that would help identify and disseminate data from guns and bullets used in crimes. Assistant Chief Lance Bolinger says the system could speed up investigations by months since the system would be in-house and evidence would not have to be sent off.

The council is also set to discuss more than $600,000 in planned upgrades at Oakland Park. That would include a new playground, pickleball court and renovations to two shelters. The project will be paid for by the 2021 sales tax. If approved, construction would begin this winter and be completed by Spring 2026.