CPD geographic policing produces visible changes
Changes include a new downtown unit and beat system.
Published Feb. 2, 2010
Increased visibility and new patrol schedules are some noticeable changes the Columbia Police Department has made since its full implementation of geographic policing.
CPD Chief Kenneth Burton's new method of patrolling, which was fully implemented Jan. 10, has been the result of numerous promotions and placements within the department.
CPD spokeswoman Jessie Haden said the switch went smoothly, and already the department is seeing changes on the street.
"Anecdotally we've definitely seen some officers and supervisors who have really embraced the idea," Haden said.
Changes in the department have been going on since last April, when a month after being sworn in as chief, Burton promoted Tom Dresner to deputy chief of the department, a CPD news release stated.
CPD also made some changes leading up to the implementation, such as a new Downtown Unit, also designed by Burton, to address downtown concerns and to increase communication among citizens, the news release stated. The unit's sergeant, Chris Kelley, began meetings with downtown businesses to plan for a downtown Safety Summit, which would provide a forum for Columbia citizens and businesses regarding crime and improved safety.
A new beat system is another change to the department, with CPD having eight "beats" within the city, the news release stated. The system will allow at least eight officers to be on duty at any given time.
Haden said part of the purpose of geographic policing is discretional activities, where officers have one-on-one time with the residents and neighborhoods they are accountable for in their beats.
"We want to improve relationships," Haden said. "It certainly helps us solve crimes. It helps in identifying problems and deterring crime in the first place. Without having that interaction, there could be problems in the city that we don't know about."
Haden said some officers have taken the responsibility of following up on crimes by providing prevention tips to the public.
"When we had the Bob McCosh thefts, we had an officer who put together a letter," Haden said. "The officer passed out letters to other dealerships to warn and provide tips."
CPD has received feedback about its new patrolling method, and Haden said visibility has been the most noticeable change among the public. In the news release, Burton said the department hopes to send a message of available customer service to Columbia citizens.
"In the midst of a significant amount of change, the message we want to send residents is that we are here, we are approachable and we will provide excellent customer service for you," Burton said in the release.
Mary Wilkerson, vice president of marketing at the Boone County National Bank and chairwoman of the Columbia Special Business District Board, said the presence of officers sends a strong message to anyone downtown that they are safe.
"Plus, our business owners get to know the police better, making reporting of incidents more comfortable for them," Wilkerson said in an e-mail. "We believe strongly that this type of policing is ideal for The District."
Haden said it would take some time before CPD can look at the amount of incidents or the number of crimes. Once the new patrol method is active for a year, the department will look into changes in crime by comparing the spring and summer seasons of this year and 2009.
"Even if we decide that everything is staffed perfectly, the city is going to grow," Haden said. "It won't be a static venture."
