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7 Major Updates: What The Columbia TN Police Department Is Doing To Fight Crime In 2025

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The Columbia, Tennessee Police Department (CPD) is undergoing a significant transformation in 2025, marked by new leadership, a substantial infusion of state funding, and the rollout of cutting-edge public safety technology.

For residents of Maury County and the surrounding areas, these changes signal a renewed focus on crime reduction and community transparency, promising a more secure environment through strategic investment and modern policing methods. This article provides the most current and essential information on the CPD’s major initiatives.

The Changing of the Guard: CPD Command Staff and Biography

The leadership of the Columbia Police Department is in a period of transition, with a distinguished veteran preparing to take the helm, ensuring continuity and experience at the highest level of the organization.

  • Current Chief of Police: Jeremy T. Alsup
  • Incoming Chief of Police: Assistant Chief Jeremy Haywood
  • Haywood’s Background: A second-generation law enforcement officer, Haywood is a Columbia native with a lifetime connection to the department. He has served the CPD for over 27 years, demonstrating a deep commitment to the city and its citizens.
  • Succession: Haywood was promoted from Assistant Chief to succeed the retiring Chief Jeremy T. Alsup, ensuring a smooth transition of command and strategy.
  • Department Headquarters: 1020 S. Garden Street, Columbia, TN 38401.
  • Core Philosophy: The department operates as a full-service agency, utilizing a philosophy of Community Orientating Policing (COP) to build trust and solve problems collaboratively with the public.

$1.3 Million Grant and New Public Safety Technology

A cornerstone of the CPD’s 2025 strategy is the successful acquisition of a massive state grant, which is being directly channeled into technology and infrastructure to combat violent crime.

The Violent Crime Intervention Fund (VCIF) Grant

The City of Columbia announced in late 2024 that the Columbia Police Department was awarded a significant $1.3 Million Violent Crime Intervention Fund (VCIF) grant from the State of Tennessee.

This substantial funding, part of the State of Tennessee’s 2025–2026 budget allocation for law enforcement agencies, is specifically targeted at enhancing the CPD's capacity to reduce and prevent violent crime within the city limits.

The grant is expected to fund critical resources, including:

  • Increased specialized training for officers.
  • Acquisition of new crime-fighting equipment.
  • Expansion of community-based violence prevention programs like the Ceasefire Columbia Initiative.

Citywide Public Safety Camera System Rollout

In a major technological upgrade, the City of Columbia has begun the installation of a new citywide public safety camera system.

This initiative leverages modern surveillance technology to provide real-time intelligence and evidence for the Investigation Division and Patrol Division. A key component of this system is the use of Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology.

The CPD has partnered with companies like Flock Safety to implement a network of cameras designed to capture license plate data for official law enforcement purposes, aiding in the recovery of stolen vehicles and the apprehension of suspects involved in serious crimes.

The deployment of this new technology is intended to act as a powerful deterrent and a force multiplier for the department’s resources, especially for the Street Crimes & Special Units.

Divisions, Programs, and Commitment to Transparency

The Columbia Police Department is structured into several key divisions and specialty units, each playing a vital role in maintaining public safety and engaging with the community.

Core Departmental Structure

The department is organized into three primary divisions, which work in tandem to provide full-spectrum police services:

  1. Patrol Division: The most visible arm of the CPD, responsible for 24/7 emergency response, traffic enforcement, and proactive patrol across Columbia.
  2. Investigation Division: Handles complex criminal cases, including follow-up on violent crimes, property crimes, and specialized investigations. This division includes dedicated Detectives and utilizes Crime Analysis to track trends.
  3. Support Services Division: Provides essential administrative and specialized support, managing everything from the Records Supervisor and Fleet Coordinator to specialized units.

Specialty Units and Community Outreach

To address specific community needs and high-risk situations, the CPD maintains several critical specialty units and outreach programs:

  • Hazardous Device Unit: Trained for bomb threats and the safe disposal of explosive materials.
  • Honor Guard Unit: Represents the department at official ceremonies and memorials.
  • Reserve Police Officer Program: Allows trained citizens to volunteer their time to support the Patrol Division.
  • Police Explorer Program: An outreach initiative for young adults interested in a career in law enforcement.

Transparency and Engagement Initiatives

The CPD has made a clear commitment to public engagement and accountability, recognizing that trust is essential for effective policing. This is evident through several key programs:

  • Public Data Initiative: A platform designed to provide accessible, convenient, and transparent information to the public regarding police activities and crime statistics.
  • Citizen's Police Academy: An educational program offering citizens a firsthand look at police operations.
  • Citizen Advisory Council: A forum for community leaders to provide direct feedback to the command staff.
  • "Beyond the Badge" Program: A community-focused initiative designed to foster positive interactions between officers and residents outside of enforcement situations.
  • "Assisting Columbia's Elderly" Program: A dedicated effort to ensure the safety and well-being of the city’s senior population.

These programs demonstrate the department's move toward modern, data-driven, and relationship-based policing models, aiming to lower the overall Columbia TN crime rates and enhance the quality of life for everyone in Maury County.

7 Major Updates: What the Columbia TN Police Department is Doing to Fight Crime in 2025
columbia tn police dept
columbia tn police dept

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