Columbus police report drops in violent crime; council approves unpaid reserve unit and unfreezes seven positions

Chief Stony Mathis told City Council on Feb. 11 that the Columbus Police Department is operating "on all four cylinders" and reported notable reductions in several crime categories year over year while outlining personnel and technology plans.

During his presentation the chief cited January 2025 figures versus January 2024 showing declines across major categories: "The murder rate's down 75% ... robbery's down 32% ... burglary's down 32% ... motor vehicle theft is down 27%, and larceny is down 33%," he said. Chief Mathis credited command-staff changes, recruitment that restored officer ranks and expanded units (gang, tactical, community policing) for improvements.

Council action: Chief Mathis asked council to approve two items: (1) authorization to establish a non-paid reserve (auxiliary) unit of trained volunteers who would purchase their own equipment and work special events, and (2) unfreezing seven police positions to increase staffing toward previously higher levels. Council approved both requests by voice vote during the meeting. The city attorney indicated the reserve volunteers will need waiver forms and that unfreezing the positions will require a subsequent budget amendment to ratify funding by ordinance.

Other notes: Chief Mathis also described technology investments under consideration, including a police-department rooftop drone to provide quick scene awareness for public-safety responses; he said the department's real-time crime center and other tools had improved clearance rates. Councilors praised the department for the staffing gains and crime reductions.

Ending: Council granted the immediate authorizations; staff will return with the formal budget amendment to ratify the unfrozen positions and with administrative steps for the reserve program.