Columbia’s Race Matters, Friends disappointed by community policing efforts

Race Matters, Friends representative Lynn Maloney said a lack of funding and “toxic culture” of the Columbia Police Department causes challenges for community-oriented policing.

“Mistrust of supervisors, not having their feedback incorporated and feeling like they are treating punitively when express their concerns,” she said.

Maloney said she believes issues within CPD need addressed before the department can successfully move towards a community-style of policing.

“We can’t expect them to go out into the public and generate that generosity and authentic connection,” she said.

The city held seven community engagement meetings on community policing led by Sgt. Fox. The final meeting was Jun 28.

Maloney said Sgt. Fox always addressed the need for more funding in order to adopt a department-wide community policing philosophy.

“There is an issue with financial resources but so much could be done if the police officers really felt they were being treated well.” she said. “We need to start with what’s happening in a very toxic culture.”

Maloney said she wants the city manager to hold the police chief accountable. She spoke at a city council meeting Jul 2 about community policing.

The Columbia Police Officers’ Association brought up salary concerns during the meeting. CPOA president, Alan Mitchell, asked for a pay plan for officers.

Race Matters, Friends put together a policy report for Columbia’s community policing.