Video: Report released in Columbus Police Department Evaluation

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- After a six month evaluation the report from Dr. KB Turner on the Columbus Police Department is released.

Doctor Turner’s recommendations were presented to the mayor and council, including changes in leadership, training for officers, adopting a community policy and enhancing the departments equipment.

“When I arrived here, the department in fact was in a crisis,” said Dr. Turner.

A crisis Dr. Turner says hasn’t been a quick fix. Over the last six months Turner has put together community and officer surveys, in an effort to help the Columbus Police Department become a stronger force.

“Get officers involved in the community in a non confrontation way, that’s very important in fact one of my recommendations,” said Dr. Turner.

Another recommendation, training for police officers. Turner says officers expressed concerns on the lack of knowledge about different training programs. Turner says that in part falls into the hands of the leader, Chief Oscar Lewis.

“A department must have a good strong leader. One who is objective. One who can forecast what’s going to happen in the future and one who can plan,” said Dr. Turner.

Turner says officers stated they were worried about the direction of the department was heading.

“They didn’t know how to carry responsibilities. They wanted direction. They wanted to hear from the leader,” said Dr. Turner.

A 95 page report lists the recommendations from Dr. Turner. Other requests include upgrades to the technology and equipment within the department.

“I still have family and friends here that I have a great deal of concern about and they deserve the best when it comes to public safety,” said Dr. Turner.

After hearing key notes from the report in open session, Columbus Mayor Robert Smith says he’s grateful for the work done by Dr. Turner.

“He’s worked hands on with the department with the career days. He set up three days from a recruitment stand point,” said Mayor Smith.

AS of now, Mayor Smith says there won’t be major changes.

“I do not at the present time foresee right now any drastic changes being made,” said Mayor Smith.

WCBI reached out to council members who declined to comment. Dr. Turner and Mayor Smith went on to say how proud of the officers they were. The matter has been tabled and council will review the report.

The report will available at the library, City Hall and online.