Columbia police hosts 3rd east neighborhood barbeque for residents

The Columbia Police Department, along with the parks and recreation department, hosted its third east neighborhood community barbecue Saturday.

The event was held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Indian Hills Park, located in the East Strategic Plan Neighborhood.

According to a press release, officers with the Columbia Police Outreach Unit and volunteers grilled food and greeted residents. Families were invited to attend and enjoy food and games for free.

Columbia parks and recreation provided water games for the children.

Police and other city employees host the event to help improve the relationship between them and the community, and to build trust.

“It just shows that they care. Especially for the police, it just shows that they care. They’re here with us and we’re having a good time,” Columbia resident Tina Smith said.

Less than a week before the event is held, a 16-year-old was shot just a few blocks away from Indian Hills Park and police said although he suffered a nonlife-threatening injury, they don’t have updates on why it happened or who did it.

Police officials said they need the communities help to solve and stop crimes of that nature, which is why barbecue gatherings like Saturday matter.

Community police officers said they are trying to prevent crimes in that area, and one way is by letting the residents get to know the officers better to be more comfortable with them.

“So we are people. We’re not just a blue shirt. You know, I’m a dad with a lot of kids, trying to make ends meet. Working not just this job but another one, try to keep the family fed. So I’m really no different than anybody else,” Columbia community outreach officer Phillip Shull said.

Many private businesses attended Saturday’s gathering, including Love Inc., Safe Kids, and multiple churches, to give people services that they may need, including job opportunities.

As far as a barbecue happening again next year, officials said that’s still up in the air but only because officials said they need help.

“We really enjoy doing it. It takes a lot of manpower and a lot of time for the police to kind of be in charge of it, so hopefully we can get some other people that want to get involved can maybe run it for us. That’s the plan so will see,” Shull said.