Zim Schwartze named Missouri Capitol Police Chief

A public safety leader who previously served in Columbia will be the next Missouri Capitol Police Chief.

Department of Public Safety Director Sandy Karsten announced Thursday that Zim Schwartze would start the position Jan. 6.

“Zim Schwartze is a proven public safety leader with experience in community policing, emergency management, emergency communications, and law enforcement education and training," Karsten said in a news release. "She also has a track record of working collaboratively with other public safety agencies, supporting members of her teams and transparency with the public. She’s an ideal fit for Missouri Capitol Police.”

Schwartze is currently the director of Springfield-Greene County 911 Emergency Communications. She's held the position since 2013.

"Zim has done a terrific job managing our 911 function over the last few years,” said Springfield City Manager Jason Gage said in a news release. “Though we will miss her leadership, we wish her the very best!"

Schwartze was a sworn member of the Columbia Police Department from 1992 to 2012, obtaining the rank of captain.

Schwartze sued Columbia, former Police Chief Ken Burton and former City Manager Mike Matthes in 2014 for wrongful termination and breach of contract. Schwartze settled the matter with the city for $325,000 in 2016, receiving $200,000 of that.