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Columbus police credit staffing, new technology for drop in Part 1 crimes
Summary
Police leaders told the council that increases in sworn staffing, targeted 'intelligence‑led' patrols and new technology — including a real‑time crime center and cameras — have coincided with declines in Part 1 crimes and higher clearance rates. Officials urged continued investment in recruitment, training and partnership programs.
Columbus Police Chief Michael Mathis told the City Council during a work session that increases in sworn staffing, expanded specialized units and new technologies have helped reduce Part 1 crimes and improve clearance rates.
Chief Mathis listed recent additions and upgrades, saying the department now has a fully renovated 9‑1‑1 center, a doubled motor‑unit roster to 12 officers, a 20‑person SWAT team, a 25‑member special operations unit, a four‑person K‑9 unit and a 24‑zone reorganization intended to reduce response times. He also said the city has deployed 75 Flock cameras and 20 red‑speed cameras, intends to reach 40 school‑zone red‑speed cameras, and invested in a $1,600,000 real‑time crime…
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