Why the Columbus Police Department won this agency of the year award
The Columbus Police Department was named the recipient of the Georgia Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates’ Phyllis Goodwin Agency of the Year Award on Tuesday in Savannah, according to a news release from CPD.
“The award recognizes a law enforcement agency that demonstrates strong leadership, progress, and commitment to professional excellence,” the news release says.
CPD said it was selected due to their recent work in reducing crime, increasing staff, leadership development and modernization. In less than two years, the department reached full staffing, improved officer pay and boosted morale, CPD said.
The news release says CPD also made major investments in technology, which include Columbus’ first Real Time Crime Center, expanded camera and license plate reader programs, upgraded body-worn and in-car cameras, drone capabilities and modernized records and dispatch systems.
The results include Part I crimes dropping more than 30% over the past two years, violent crime dropping 29% in the most recent year and case clearance rates exceeding national averages, according to the news release.
“This award belongs to our officers, professional staff, and their families,” Chief Stoney Mathis said in the news release. “They showed up, stayed focused, and kept doing the job the right way, even when it wasn’t easy.”