Video: Top Cop Arrives In Columbus

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Columbus, Miss. (WCBI) — The new Chief of Police for the Columbus Police Department Oscar Lewis III had his first day as top cop Monday.

Lewis originally began his career in Columbus for more than a decade before leaving to become chief of police in Waynesboro, Mississippi.

Lewis said his first day was “great…”

“Just excited to be home and to come back and serve the community.”

Lewis said his first day was full of setting up computer access, distributing his phone number to his department, and setting up email accounts.

While today was a day to get situated, Lewis is looking forward to the challenge of leading the department.

“My main thing is to just come in an reduce the crime rate in the city…”, said Lewis, “…try and get some officers hired, get some people out on the streets where we can be seen and be proactive…”

The new chief also said he plans to continue the department’s push to get officers more involved in the community they serve.

Lewis also said he is still working on filling spots around him, such as assistant chief, and there is no timetable. Lewis said he needed to first review the department and evaluate officers to see which would be best fit to help him command the force.

Chief Lewis will be sitting down with Aundrea Self on WCBI Mid morning at 9 A.M. with more on his plans for the department.