COLUMBIA, Mo. – On Monday, local governments, Mizzou and business leaders met to discuss immediate action items in downtown Columbia.
The immediate action items include the following:
• Increase staffing at the Columbia Police Department and MUPD. • CPD and MUPD will continue the increase in foot patrol in the downtown region during peak weekend hours. • Columbia Police Chief Jill Schlude has confirmed that the Missouri Department of Highway Patrol will provide officers to patrol downtown during peak hours of the weekend. • Boone County Sheriff Dwayne Carey also will provide additional deputies to patrol downtown Columbia. • Meeting with U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri Matt Price to discuss federal prosecutive resources and other programs to improve public safety. • Meeting with Governor Mike Kehoe to discuss state prosecutive resources and other programs to improve public safety. • Support the Ride Home program that returns people who come to the city for health care to their home community outside of Boone County. • Request that every downtown business owner complete a letter of enforcement. • Conduct a review of city ordinances to improve crowd control and safety – especially downtown. Immediate actions will be taken when appropriate. • Conduct a review of downtown to address environmental issues, including lighting, business hours of operation, individuals sleeping on or blocking sidewalks and traffic flow for vehicles. Immediate actions will be taken when appropriate. • Conduct an internal audit of all cases handled by the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office involving weapons offenses downtown as well as trespass, peace disturbance, and misdemeanor assault cases county-wide to ensure these offenses are being prosecuted consistently, effectively and in alignment with office goals and community safety priorities. Immediate actions will be taken when appropriate.
“I am committed to working with these partners to make changes that align with our community values and create a safe and healthy environment for students, families and business owners,” Mayor Buffaloe said.
“I am grateful for the leadership of Mayor Buffaloe and Chief Schlude,” President Choi said. “Their deep commitment to the safety of Columbia residents and our students is greatly appreciated.” |