A local group advocating for racial equality has again rejected the argument that the city must hire more police officers to more widely implement community-oriented policing.
Race Matters, Friends said a report released last week embraces an “us vs. them” mentality and focuses on a ballot initiative to fund more staff instead of laying out a plan for community-oriented policing, according to a release.
In February, the Columbia City Council directed City Manager Mike Matthes to create a plan for community-oriented policing in the city. He appointed Police Sgt. Robert Fox to lead a series of meetings through the summer to gather community input. Fox and Matthes released their report to council members Wednesday. The council is scheduled to discuss the report at Tuesday’s meeting.
Traci Wilson-Kleekamp — president of Race Matters, Friends — said the department’s report was a missed opportunity to transform policing and the city of Columbia.
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