CPD seeks additional $70K to extend recruitment ad campaign
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Columbia Police Department is asking the city for an additional $70,000 to extend a targeted media campaign aimed at recruiting for the department.
The request comes as the City of Columbia makes its quarterly adjustments to the current fiscal year budget. According to a March 2 council memo, Finance Director Matthew Lue certified the city has sufficient funds to cover roughly $9.4 million in adjustments requested by multiple departments.
If approved, the police department’s $70,000 request would be paid from the city’s general fund reserves.
City employees and public safety were highlighted as two of Columbia’s priorities in the fiscal year 2026 budget. In the approved budget, city staff wrote Columbia has been grappling with employee shortages, most notably within the police department, leading to longer response times for non-emergency calls and fewer opportunities for officers to engage with residents outside of emergency situations.
As of July 9, 2025, the city reported CPD’s vacancy rate is at 8%, which represented 16 sworn officer vacancies. To remedy the situation, the city has spent the past three years working to lead the market by offering competitive salaries and benefits, and launching a targeted media campaign.
According to CPD, the department has spent a combined $186,050 in ads over fiscal years 2024 and 2025. The campaign has included television, radio and streaming advertisements all aimed at recruiting for the department.
So far, the department has produced six video advertisements, two radio ads and photographs and social media content.
“The department considered the past campaign successful in bringing in quality applicants, which is why we are seeking additional funds to continue the success,” CPD spokesman Colin Imhoff told ABC 17 News in an email.
Since launching the campaign, the city reported hiring and retaining 24 officers in 2024 and 28 new officers in 2025.
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