Police sergeant gives update on community-oriented strategy formation

Columbia Police Sgt. Robert Fox, who was appointed by the city manager to assist the creation of a citywide community policing plan, spoke at a community meeting Thursday evening.

Fox was a guest speaker at the Central Neighborhood Community Unity Meeting from 6 to 7:45 p.m. at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, 702 Banks Ave.

The Columbia Police Department has experimented with community policing for the past few years. In 2009, the department designated some officers to one of three areas, or beats, to “get to know the neighbors of their beats and understand what problems or concerns the residents had”, according to its website.

After receiving grant money in 2016, the department created a fourth zone. The officers assigned to these zones are a part of the department’s community outreach unit, and practice community-oriented policing.

In February, the Columbia City Council directed the city manager to create a citywide community-oriented policing plan. Their order came with a six-month deadline for City Manager Mike Matthes, but at least one city council member has said they would be willing to extend that deadline if needed.

Matthes appointed Fox to assist the creation of the plan. According to Columbia Mayor Brian Treece, there has been no formal update given by Fox or Matthes since the council’s decision three months ago.

It is unclear how much funding the department will need for the community policing plan, as staffing will be an issue when it is implemented.