The Special Services Bureau is headed by Assistant Chief Matt Stephens and Lieutenant Chad Gooch. The Bureau manages the following functions.
- Training and Recruitment
- Records Management System
- Fleet and Building Services
- Information Center and Front Desk
- Property and Evidence
- Parking
- Airport Public Safety
For questions, comments or feedback:
Training and recruiting
The Training and Recruiting Unit (TRU) is responsible for recruiting quality applicants, conducting the background and hiring process and onboarding new employees. The TRU also trains new hires and conducts ongoing education and training designed to implement community policing principles into the department’s mission.
Fleet and building services
A dedicated team of civilian staff maintains the buildings, fleet and equipment needed to run a successful, modern police department 24 hours a day. Staff ensure that all marked and unmarked police vehicles are ready for use by police employees; that all police buildings are kept clean and maintained; and that officers are equipped with up-to-date, safe and appropriate equipment.
Information center and front desk
The Columbia Police Department Information Center processes, stores and disseminates copies of police reports, traffic collision reports and arrest reports to municipal, state and federal courts. The department’s main front desk is located downtown at police headquarters, 600 E. Walnut St. The front lobby is accessible to the general public every day from 6 a. m. – 10 p.m., and is staffed 24 hours a day. To obtain a copy of a police report, please contact the front desk in person; call ; or complete a public records request.
Property and evidence
The civilian staff of the Property and Evidence Unit are responsible for the inventory, storage and return/disposal of all evidence and property seized or recovered by the Columbia Police Department. Lost or found property and items seized as evidence during criminal investigations are kept for periods of time mandated by state law, court orders or department policies. To make an appointment with the Evidence Technicians for the return of eligible property, please call 573.874.7429. Appointments are available Tuesday through Thursday between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Claimants must show valid photo identification. Property can be retrieved from department headquarters at 600 E. Walnut St, Columbia.
Parking
Community Service Aides’ (CSAs) responsibilities include responding to parking violation complaints. They hold a partial commission, which authorizes them to issue traffic citations.
Airport safety
Columbia Regional Airport Public Safety Officers are a unique, dynamic team equipped and trained to serve the facility’s customers, employees and tenants. They patrol the airport grounds as commissioned Police Officers; respond to emergencies as aircraft rescue and firefighting personnel; and oversee airport operations.
Airport Public Safety Officers patrol 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They work side-by-side with local, state and federal security and law enforcement entities to provide safety and security to every airport patron and passenger.
Officers also provide aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) services for the airport. Their training, experience and on-site fire apparatus assure that rescue, fire suppression and emergency medical response functions are always available.
Airport Public Safety Officers make sure that runways, taxiways, the commuter ramp and surrounding property meet all safety regulations and guidelines established by the Federal Aviation Administration. Duties include, but are not limited to, runway inspections, winter operations inspections and wildlife safety inspections.
59°F