Columbia Police Department start special warrant roundup

The Columbia Police Department has announced it will be conducting a warrant roundup.

The roundup will last through the end of May and officers will place special emphasis on finding and arresting wanted individuals.

Officers are hoping to find fugitives who have outstanding warrants for more serious offenses like stealing, DWI, resisting arrest, etc.

However, police will also target those who have warrants for non-payment of fines and court costs. CPD says the Columbia Municipal Court alone has over 2,000 outstanding warrants.

Police are asking anyone with outstanding criminal warrants to voluntarily turn themselves into police headquarters on 6th Street. The police department lobby is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“You’ll be surprised, we’ll have a lot of people who turn themselves in because it’s easier and more convenient for you to turn yourself in when you have the money that’s available and also on your time,” said Ofc. Latisha Stroer. “Because what’s worse is we show up at your house , you have family members over or friends and you find out you have a warrant for your arrest and you have to be taken from your house.”

Those with outstanding warrants for fines or court costs can pay their fines at the Columbia Municipal Court at 600 E. Broadway. The court is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The last time CPD did a similar warrant roundup was on May 5, 2011. Officers arrested seven people and four others turned themselves in.

Police said that roundup only last one day and this year’s is longer due to the large number of warrants.