CPD swears in Burton as new chief

Burton formerly served as a police chief in Texas.

By Allan J. Vestal

Published March 30, 2009

As he officially took the reins of the Columbia Police Department Monday night, new Chief Kenneth Burton offered some insight into how he will run the department.

Burton, who formerly served as chief for the department in Haltom City, Texas, was named to lead the department in late February after a search that began last summer when former Chief Randy Boehm stepped down.

Burton emphasized the need for CPD officers to adapt to the different conditions in Columbia's diverse communities.

"All of Columbia is not the same," Burton said. "There are neighborhoods in Columbia that require a different style of policing."

In order to do this, officers need to listen to residents of Columbia, Burton said.

"The people that live in these areas know better where their concerns are as a neighborhood," he said.

Columbia resident Renee Kientz said that though the department faces its share of issues, Burton seems like he will lead the department well.

"There have been some problems in the past that the new chief better address," she said. "He seemed like he was wanting to work more with the community."

Also high on Burton's priorities is to improve the image of CPD in the community through better service.

"The citizen is our customer," he said. "They expect superior customer service."

During his first six months on the job, Burton said he plans to observe the workings of the department and its employees in order to better understand its inner workings.

"At this point, I probably have as much to learn from them as they do from me," he said. "You have to use the talented people around you, and I intend to do that."

City Manager Bill Watkins, who led the department's search committee, said he was pleased with the results of the search.

"This ceremony fulfills a successful search process, with significant citizen involvement," Watkins said.

Watkins said he was confident in Burton, who officials say was chosen over Major Christine Laughlin of the Kansas City Police Department because of Burton's experience as an administrator.

"I expect him to personify a community standard for accountability," Watkins said. "What gave him the edge was his experience as police chief."

Mayor Darwin Hindman said he is also pleased with Burton's appointment.

"I think he brings with him a lot of great experience," Hindman said. "I think the prospects look bright."

Hindman said Burton is joining a department in transition.

"He steps in at a time when a lot of changes have been made," Hindman said. "The police department has become much more transparent."

Watkins said this transparency was extended to the hiring process.

"We had a great group of about 16 people, most of whom showed up at every meeting," Watkins said. "I look forward to continuing to work with them to keep the city safe."

Burton said he is excited to take on the new job.

"I want to make Columbia a better place, wherever I possibly can," Burton said.