Video: Columbus Mayor Talks With Police Officers, Promises Help

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus Mayor Robert Smith tells the city’s police force help is on the way.

Smith and other city leaders met privately with the department this morning at the municipal complex.

The mayor says he wants officers to know they are supported and appreciated by the city’s leadership.

He also told them he has an open door and officers should not fear for their job when they talk to him.

CPD has lost 19 officers in the last six months.

There are now 45 patrolling the streets.

Smith wants Police Chief Oscar Lewis to hire more than 20 officers and implement and speedy recruitment strategy.

“You normally have nine or ten people on the shift. Right now, they are running seven or eight but Chief Lewis has a plan, and we are going to support Chief Lewis and his plan, as far as, working diligently to staff the shift properly,” said Smith.

Smith also says today’s meeting was also to reassure residents that issues at the department are being addressed by the city.

The mayor says the city is also working to get new patrol cars and institute a take home policy, along with other equipment.

Categories: Local News

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