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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">P.O. BOX 6015 COLUMBIA, MO 65205</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">August 14, 2026</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Christopher Ave <br />Director <br />Communications Department <br />City of Columbia <br />Christopher.Ave@CoMo.gov <br />573.874.7330</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">Statement from mayor, City Council and city manager of Columbia on downtown public safety</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - In Columbia, public safety is a top priority. Because downtown Columbia is a gathering place for residents, college and university students and tourists and other visitors, we understand the importance of addressing public safety concerns in that area.<br /><br />That’s why we have taken several steps to improve public safety downtown. These action items include:<br /><br /><strong>· Increased police presence downtown:</strong> More than a year ago, we increased Columbia Police Department patrols downtown during peak hours. As a result, we are able to respond very quickly when incidents occur. This includes the shooting incident this past Sunday, when officers heard gunshots and identified and apprehended a suspect almost immediately after shots were fired.<br /><br /><strong>· Targeted enforcement:</strong> CPD continues targeted enforcement of assaults, weapons violations, peace distu
rbances, trespassing, open container and other offenses. We also continue to invest in technology and investigative resources that help identify offenders and build stronger criminal cases.<br /><br /><strong>· Safety Ambassadors:</strong> The City, the University of Missouri and The District launched the Downtown Safety Ambassador program in June. Ambassadors work during peak evening and overnight hours, provide safety escorts, identify problems, help de-escalate situations and contact police when enforcement is needed. A full-time outreach ambassador also connects people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges or substance use disorders with available services. This model is being used successfully in several other college communities such as Austin, Gainesville, Athens, Ohio, Knoxville, Iowa City and others.<br /><br /><strong>· Infrastructure review:</strong> The City and downtown partners have reviewed lighting, traffic flow, rideshare locations, parki
ng restrictions and the placement and permitting of late-night food vendors. These measures are intended to reduce congestion and the conditions that can contribute to fights and other disturbances.<br /><br /><strong>· Strategic alliance:</strong> We participate in regular meetings focused on downtown safety with partners that include the University of Missouri, MUPD and other law enforcement agencies and area leaders. This collaboration allows all interested parties opportunities to share ideas and discuss solutions.<br /><br /><strong>· Security camera:</strong> In response to recent incidents in the area, we have placed a security camera at Ninth and Walnut streets.<br /><br /><strong>· Outreach to bars:</strong> We are organizing and conducting meetings with bar operators downtown to make sure that each establishment fully understands and complies with city ordinances, state laws and other rules.<br /><br /><strong>· Work session:</strong> The City C
ouncil has scheduled a work session focused on downtown public safety on Sept. 14.<br /><br /><strong>· Violence reduction:</strong> The City’s Office of Violence Prevention will present a violence reduction landscape analysis Sept. 29 and intends to complete a full strategic plan by spring 2027.<br /><br /><strong>· Downtown unit:</strong> Columbia voters approved a 1% public safety sales tax on Aug. 4. The tax takes effect Jan. 1 and the city will begin receiving proceeds, all of which will be strictly dedicated to the police and fire departments, in March. Once we are able to hire, train and deploy additional officers, the Columbia Police Department intends to reestablish its downtown unit.</div>
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<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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