Columbia Police to investigate internal efforts and process when responding to a report of a missing person

On Wednesday, July 3, Columbia Police responded to a report of a missing person. The missing person was identified as Glenn L. O’Neal, 39, of Columbia and he had last been seen on June 30, 2019. The officer issued a detailed "Be On the LookOut" (BOLO). A BOLO is a message in the records system, which is accessed by other law enforcement officers from Boone County and shared at shift briefings. There was no missing person report submitted by the responding officer.

On Thursday, July 25, two hikers were in the wooded area near I-70 Drive SW and Silvey Street when they located human remains. On July 26, CPD confirmed the remains belonged to O’Neal. 

An internal investigation began on Friday, July 26, regarding CPD Policy 332, which requires a missing person report to be taken for any subject absent for more than 24 hours. Internal Affairs will investigate if this policy was followed.

"Our commitment to be transparent, look for ways to improve our response to missing persons and keep our community safe will be best served through the internal affairs process in this instance," Interim Police Chief Geoff Jones said. "We will gather all available information in an effort to ensure consistent and exceptional service to our residents."

Due to the pending investigations, CPD is unable to provide further information.