(COLUMBIA, MO) -
The Columbia Police Department has hired Andre Cook as the civilian police trainer. While Cook will be new to this position, his law enforcement experience has spanned 20 years in several different capacities.
Spending over three decades in the mid-Missouri area, Cook graduated with honors from William Woods University with a Master's Degree in Business Administration. He served as a reserve officer in the early 90's and began as a full-time police officer with Missouri Capital Police Department in 1994. From there Cook went on to serve five years at Holts Summit Police Department and began with Fulton Police Department in 1997. Cook retired as a lieutenant and chief of the detectives unit at Fulton Police Department in 2013.
Since retirement, Cook has worked at the state level for Fulton State Hospital focusing on staff development. Additionally, he served as an adjunct instructor for the Law Enforcement Training Institute through the University of Missouri and the Basic Peace Officer Academy through the Missouri Sheriffs Association.
When asked what Cook most looks forward to with his new career at CPD he stated, "I look forward to providing high quality training to the men and women of the Columbia Police Department and be at the leading edge with 21st century policing."
Cook began employment last week with familiarizing himself with CPD policies and procedures. His office is located at the CPD Regional Training Center where he will primarily work during business hours, but may teach on some weeknights and weekends. His position was a new civilian position created through the 2016 fiscal year budget. Previously, this position was staffed by a sworn law enforcement officer.
We are very excited to have Cook as part of the department and look forward to learning and growing from his expertise.
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