Columbia police officer to assist city staff in adopting community policing

City Manager Mike Matthes is looking for a Columbia police officer to help create a city-wide community-oriented policing program.

The resolution has not yet been passed but the concept has garnered general support of the Columbia City Council.

Some concern, however, has been voiced over how such a plan would be created and implemented. Dale Roberts, the executive director of the Columbia Police Officer’s Association, says the plan would be best executed if officers were involved.

“They’re talking about creating a program for the police officers to perform,” said Roberts. “You don’t want it designed by non-police officers.”

Matthes has responded by beginning a search for an officer to assist in the plan’s creation. Roberts and council member Ian Thomas say it’s possible a selection is made in time for Monday’s continued discussion of the resolution.