Leaders of Columbia and community members question whether security training should increase in Downtown Columbia

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

After eight shootings have happened in the Downtown Columbia area within the past two months, Columbia leaders and community members have begun conversations about if security training should increase in the area.

Sydney Olsen with the City of Columbia says training for employees of private businesses is the responsibility of that business.

"However, the city is open to exploring how we may be able to participate in training," Olsen said.

Nickie Davis with The District downtown says any mandates would have to come from the city or state, but Davis says there's no one company that all bars use to train. Instead, she says each business is individually doing their own thing.

A shooting happened outside of Gold Bar on Nov. 6, since then, manager Kymberlee Hunter said security has been increase, but they are still looking to hire more.

"Our high alert security team has been trained, they have CPR and first aid training, they have verbal deescalation take down training, as well as being familiar with the city's laws and statues and then basic fire arm training," Hunter said. Hunter says some members of the security team has received training in Boone County through former employment.

Owner of On the Rocks, Matt McGee, says his bar does not allow entrance by visibly intoxicated patrons, and it also ends service for those who were served.

"While sometimes unpopular, slowing or cutting off drink service is a necessary part of the industry and failure to do so only leads to problems," McGee said.

At a community briefing held Sunday where police confirmed one man was shot and killed outside of Vibez Lounge early Sunday morning, many community members spoke up and gave recommendations for change.

Davis says the community's thoughts are being taken seriously. "Not only do we take their thoughts into consideration, but a lot of them have very plausible solutions."

Community member, Pam Ratliff, suggested that the city should have some requirements as far as bars having trained licensed security.

Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones responded to this, saying the city has an ordinance where people have to get a permit to be an armed security guard, but since Missouri law has changed with people being able to carry guns making the ordinance outdated.

"It is my opinion that needs to be overhauled," Jones said. "I do not believe that it's the city's responsibility to train security guards, but they do need to be trained and something needs to be put in place to hold them accountable. I'm willing to work on that project, but again, I'm not someone who legislates."

Zachary Rugen, owner of Nightclub Security, says he's familiar of many downtown bars that train their bouncers, but he said the situation that happened Sunday at Vibez was not something that you train for. "There's only so much venues can do without getting law enforcement involved," Rugen said.

Part of the community discussion also came from Vibez Lounge owner R'Velle Fair, as he said he is being blamed for issues outside of his bar on city streets. However, some still think responsibility needs to be taken.

McGee says, "If this is spillover from events occurring inside the bar, then the business needs to be a part of the solution too."

Davis says although it's hard for a small business because their insurance does end at their door, she thinks it is a community effort at this point.