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Former Police Chief Stands With CPOA in Support of Reelecting Treece

The Columbia Police Officers Association announced its support for the reelection of Mayor Brian Treece Monday afternoon. Endorsements came from association president Alan Mitchell and former Columbia police captain Zim Schwartze. Schwartze travelled from Southeast Missouri to support Treece and the growth of community policing, which she says the city has gotten away from.

“I want to get back to what we had and supporting the community and improving the quality of life because I think that’s very important,” Schwartze said. “It’s why we are here, it’s why we are police officers.”

Schwartze, who settled a wrongful termination lawsuit with the city in 2016, said people have asked her to consider applying for police chief, but she wouldn’t confirm if she will yet. Mitchell spoke about the transparency of the city and the nine police department positions that were added by Treece.

“Our support for Mayor Treece is based on three main issues,” Mitchell said in his speech. “His transparency in our local government, his investment in public safety and his overall leadership in the city.”

Former state rep. Chris Kelly is challenging Treece on the April 2 ballot.