Columbia police open new White Gate substation

The Columbia Police Department opened a new substation Wednesday at 2102 White Gate Drive.

The station is inside the home office of Columbia Insurance Group. Police officials say the substation will allow them better interaction with residents and improved response times for calls in the area.

City of Columbia spokesman Steve Sapp said the insurance company covered all expenses for Columbia police to use the space.

Sapp said the business approached Columbia Police Department Community Outreach Unit officers in January with renovation ideas and remodeling began shortly after the donation.

The space will allow officers to complete tasks such as report writing, provide meeting space for residents and help officers have more interaction with their colleagues and the community, officials say.

Outreach unit supervisor Sgt. Michael Hester has been working with Columbia Insurance Group and said police are committed to forming relationships in the area.

“This is an exciting development,” Hestir said. “The substation will provide officers a space to meet with citizens and hear their concerns, then work with them on neighborhood solutions.”

Steve Lubbering, vice president of Columbia Insurance Group, said the insurance company donated the space to help bolster the police outreach program.

“We want to help the police to serve the neighborhood and its residents. We’re looking forward to a long-term relationship with the police and our neighborhood,” Lubbering said.

The insurance company considers the donation of space an investment, instead of an expense, he said.