CPD forms Downtown Police Team to combat crime

A special police team has been formed to lower crime downtown.

By Lyndsie Manusos

Published June 3, 2009

Officers of the newly added Downtown Police Team will take a step toward a new goal of geographic policing after being specifically assigned to Columbia's downtown.

The team was created to bring an increased sense of safety to the area, which is often referred to as "The District," a Columbia Police Department news release stated.

CPD Capt. Stephen Monticelli said the team would be handling issues that have become a concern.

"We were having some issues with various groups, ranging from transients, panhandling, graffiti and intoxicated individuals that were deterring from the family atmosphere," he said.

Another reason for the creating the team is CPD Chief Kenneth Burton's goal of geographic policing.

"This is the start of it," CPD Sgt. Chris Kelley said about the team. "They are responsible for quality of life issues and crime in those geographical areas."

Geographical policing differentiates the Downtown Police Team from past CPD units.

"Before we just had a district officer," he said. "We won't go outside this area because we will be on bike or foot."

Kelley also said they want to keep officers in that area and hold them accountable for what happens there.

The Downtown Police Team is led by Kelley, and along with Monticelli's help, he handpicked the six officers who would be responsible for patrolling downtown.

Officers Tamera Adams, Chris Hessenflow, Aaron Wheeler, Patrick Corcoran, Matt Gremore and Eric Hughes were chosen out of 14 names submitted.

Monticelli said they were looking for applicants who have flexible schedules and understand the responsibilities of the job.

"They're not going to have set hours," he said. "We wanted officers that knew what the challenges were going to be."

Aside from scheduling, Kelley said he was looking for officers who were problem solvers and could think outside the box. People skills and a sense of professionalism were also important qualities considered.

Downtown officers work during peak crime hours utilizing car, bike and foot patrols to solve and prevent crime, the news release stated.

To be more efficient in maintaining a safe environment, the Downtown Police Team made a point to communicate with local business owners and the boards of both the Special Business District and the Central Columbia Association.

Kurt Mirtsching, owner of Shakespeare's Pizza and a board member of the CCA said the association has made efforts to find out what downtown merchants want.

"The CCA did some outreach through town hall meetings and surveys in the past few years to try and find out what downtown merchants wanted and what was important to them," Mirtsching said. "What we found out was they wanted safety, among other things."

The team has had several meetings with the boards and business owners, discussing what owners can do to assist themselves and the police department, Monticelli said.

Kelley also said they have created great partnerships with downtown residents and businesses since the team started May 17.

"Already in a week we've gotten to know a lot of downtown merchants and have started to foster those relationships," he said.

So far, both Monticelli and Kelley said they think the team has been successful.

"We've made a few arrests for underage drinking," Kelley said. "We worked the summer festival here. We made four arrests of people who were smoking marijuana in the crowd."

Mirtsching said the new Downtown Police Team is a great addition to the community and a positive thing for businesses.

"I think it's great," he said. "I am glad to see a safe environment so customers are not afraid to come down and have some pizza."