Police release new details in Douglass Park shooting at Ward 1 city meeting

Many Columbia residents think the city needs more police officers to handle the crime.

Crime was one of the topics discussed at a Ward One meeting Wednesday night where residents voiced their questions to city leaders and police.

Police told Ward One residents they know who pulled the trigger in a shooting in Douglass Park last week.

They said they are actively looking for the person who opened fire and sent park-goers running.

At the meeting, residents asked city leaders why money is so tight when it comes to the police budget and why they are having trouble funding more police officers.

City Manager Mike Matthes said the pension plan put in place 20 years ago is costing money and poses a challenge for coming up with the funds for more officers.

He also said it’s not as simple as taking money from another area of the budget and putting it into the police budget.

Police said they are continuing their efforts to build relationships in the community because they believe that is the key to preventing and solving crime.