Number of Columbia traffic deaths higher since CPD ends traffic unit

A motorcycle crash in Columbia Saturday evening brings the total number of traffic fatalities in the city of Columbia to 10. That’s two more than all of 2015 when the Columbia Police Department had officers dedicated to a traffic unit.

In late 2015, the department disbanded the traffic unit to free up officers for their Community Outreach Unit. At the time, they said this would move them closer toward their “community policing model.” The idea is to have officers dedicated to patrol in specific areas of the city and create better relationships with residents.

ABC 17 News wanted to see how the city’s traffic issues were fairing since the disbanding of the traffic unit.

According to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports, 2015 saw eight fatalities in the city of Columbia; 2014 had nine; 2013 had six; 2012 had five; 2011 had five; 2010 had two.

At a public meeting last week, Assistant Chief John Gordon told attendees there had been nine traffic deaths in Columbia so far this year. Saturday’s motorcycle crash brings that number to 10.

ABC 17 News had previously spoken with City Manager Mike Matthes about ending the traffic unit. Matthes said traffic is not as important as domestic violence or bar fights, and writing speeding tickets just are not a priority.