End of community policing leads to frustration for some

Several Columbia City Council members said they were not happy with a Columbia Police Department plan to end its Community Outreach Unit.

Deputy Police Chief Jill Schlude said on Monday that CPD plans to abandon community policing due to a lack of staffing. However, CPD plans to incorporate a community response unit in January 2019 instead, reducing the number of officers patrolling Columbia’s neighborhoods.

Councilman Karl Skala, Ward 3, hinted that the decision could affect City Manager Mike Matthes’ job.

“To the extent that this police policy proposal is endorsed by the City Manager, it certainly may affect the Manager’s tenure at ‘the pleasure of the Council,'” Skala said.

Councilman Mike Trapp, Ward 2, said he could not comment on the issue until he’s fully investigated the matter. However, Trapp said he’s disappointed, and he had plans to speak with Schlude on Tuesday.

Councilman Ian Thomas, Ward 4, and Mayor Brian Treece said they were not happy with the decision.

ABC 17 reached out to all City Council members Tuesday and is still waiting to hear back from Councilman Matt Pitzer, Ward 5, Councilwoman Betsy Peters, Ward 6 and Councilman Clyde Ruffin, Ward 1. Matthes has also not commented on the issue.