CPD reports department short 21 uniformed offices, but violent crime down since 2021

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Police Department on Tuesday released its annual report for 2025, which shows violent crime trending down in the city for the fourth year in a row.

CPD defined violent crime as a criminal act that involves a force or threat of force against a person. It may consist of murder or manslaughter, robbery, aggravated assault or rape. The department counts one crime for each victim.

In 2021, CPD reported 652 violent crimes and in 2025 only 470 violent crimes were reported. Violent crime reports only dropped by six from 2024 to 2025.

Guns were the most common weapon used in violent crimes, with 169 reports. There were 140 reports for aggravated assault with a gun. However, murders involving guns were down nearly 70% from 2024, with only four reported in 2025. In 2026, Columbia has already reached last year's peak with four people dead across multiple shootings.

The report also states that CPD is short 21 full-time uniformed officer positions. The report cites 91 total full-time officer positions, with 70 filled.

In 2025, CPD had 41,432 calls for service with 10,042 police reports filed. Officers also made 16,127 traffic stops and 4,401 arrests. The department also reported a 100% clearance rate for homicides in 2025.

The highest arrest rates were for those ages 10 to 17 and 25 to 34.