CPD still on track to relaunch full-time downtown unit by the summer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Police Department is still on track to relaunch its full-time dedicated downtown unit this summer.

Police Chief Jill Schlude told ABC 17 News back in October that once the January 2026 academy graduates completed field training, the department would have staffing levels to support the unit.

Lt. Clint Sinclair said on Thursday the 14 graduates are preparing to enter Phase 2 of their field training. The change includes being paired with a training officer and being put onto a shift.

CPD field training is a 16-week process. Sinclair said by the beginning to middle of May the officers will be ready to go solo.

"If there are calls that require more officers, more violent crimes or high priority calls, we'll have those bodies available," Sinclair said. "It also means reduced response times for the community and they'll see more police officers out on the street. They'll get a police officer sooner if they need it, just because we have the numbers."

Sinclair said CPD's next academy class will include two more weeks of training than usual. The recruit group will have between 12-14 members.