Columbia residents call on city to hire more police amid increased gun violence

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

With four shootings in the span of a few weeks, members of the community in Columbia have expressed concerns about the increase in gun violence.

The Columbia Police Department says it sends extra officers to patrol downtown on busy weekends. Still, there is a concern in the community that there are not enough officers on patrol.

Officers continued to investigate after two people were shot in downtown Columbia as many people were out celebrating homecoming Saturday night.

CPD also confirmed a second shooting in downtown Columbia early Sunday morning around 5 a.m.

Reverend James Gray, a Columbia leader and someone who has lived his whole life in the city, said he's seen the gun violence worsen.

"The shootings these last couple of months have really gotten out of control," said Gray.

Reverend Gray said the city needs to put more money into hiring patrol officers.

"We need to invest in hiring more officers for our police department; we don't have enough," said Gray.

Nikkie Davis, executive director with the Downtown Columbia District agrees.

"I do think CPD does need more officers just in general; obviously, we'd like to see them downtown," said Davis.

CPD said it is about 14 percent understaffed and is recruiting highly trained officers from across the state.

Reverend Gray said he is calling on the city to hire more officers to help keep the community a safe place.

"This is an emergency. We gotta take that funding and invest and hire more officers, good officers, train them right and hold them accountable for what they have been trained to do," Gray said.