Interim City Manager John Glascock names Geoff Jones as Columbia Police interim chief

(COLUMBIA, MO) - At a press conference on Tuesday, Jan. 29, Columbia Interim City Manager John Glascock announced the selection of Lt. Geoff Jones as the interim chief of the Columbia Police Department. Jones will begin the position on Sunday, Feb. 3.

"In speaking with Lt. Jones through the interview process, he showed his ability to lead by example and that he has the skills to unite Police staff to achieve common goals and objectives. His experience and leadership with CPD will help make a positive impact during this interim period to unite the department and community." Glascock said. "I have confidence that Lt. Jones will make progress on implementing the highest priority goals established by the City Council."

Jones was raised in Columbia and attended Columbia Public Schools. His first affiliation with the Columbia Police Department was as a teenager when he volunteered as a police cadet. Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in 1997 from Central Missouri State University in criminal justice with a minor in industrial safety. He worked as a police officer in Sedalia for a year before joining the Columbia Police Department in 1998. During his career at CPD, Jones has worked as a patrol officer, a narcotics investigator, an investigative sergeant, the commander of training and recruiting, a patrol squad commander, an FBI Task Force officer and the commander of the Community Outreach Unit. Jones earned a master’s degree in criminal justice and sociology in 2012 from Lincoln University. He is a board member for the Columbia Salvation Army and a former board member and current law enforcement liaison to Missouri Concerns of Police Survivors.

"I am humbled and honored at the opportunity to lead such a talented and dedicated group of people. We, as a community, have a great opportunity to grow together, learn from each other and work together," Jones said. "Thank you to those who have supported this decision, especially my family, my wife, my coworkers and my friends in the community."

Through his leadership, Jones is asking Police Department staff to build relationships, foster trust and address issues.

"Policing must be built on trust. I ask that all community members help us build a police department where we can develop together, gain understanding and build trust," Jones said. "We will see progress through action and our work together will be the foundation for a community policing model that is reflective of our City’s values."

A permanent police chief will be hired when a city manager is selected.