Correction: Columbia Police Department assumes parking enforcement effective Oct. 1

Beginning Oct. 1, the Columbia Police Department announced that parking enforcement is under the supervision of its Traffic Unit and Special Events Division. Under the previous model, the parking enforcement agents worked in the City of Columbia’s Department of Public works.

This transfer of duties from the Department of Public Works started at the beginning of the City of Columbia’s fiscal year and allows CPD to extend its community policing model to the downtown area.   

"This change aligns with the department's community policing plan allowing the  Community Service Aides to have constant contact with business owners, and downtown patrons who park in the area," said Chief Geoff Jones. "By increasing CPD's presence at this level, our goal is to strengthen relationships with our community members and business owners and ensure those who live and work in this area feel safe. We want officers to solve problems, and that is no different with parking enforcement."

Four uniformed Community Service Aides have assumed parking enforcement responsibilities. These are not new positions and were re-allocated within the Department.