Police chief warns of scams, describes shelter surge after storm and names new officer to be sworn in

The police chief told the Columbiana City Council on March 18 that the department is operating normally but is fielding an increase in scam reports and that emergency sheltering during a recent storm strained parking and access.

The chief said the department received three different scam complaints in a single week — including a Publishers Clearing House–style call, a timeshare scam and a court-related scam — and urged residents to be cautious. “If you get a phone call from somebody asking you for money, it is more than likely a scam,” the police chief said, advising anyone unsure to hang up and contact the police department.

The chief also described sheltering operations during the storm: about 128 people used the shelter and an additional 55 were housed in the police department’s downstairs area. He said limited parking around emergency vehicles created operational problems and that staff will look at creating designated parking to avoid blocking emergency access.

On personnel, the chief announced the hire of a new officer. “If y’all haven't met him, his name is Perry Moore,” the police chief said; Moore is from Montgomery and the chief said he has 26 years of experience and will be sworn in at an upcoming meeting. The chief added that two officers will pursue state Department of Transportation certification to perform vehicle inspections short of weighing.

The council asked whether the school facility used by Head Start could be used as a shelter; staff said prior attempts to gain access had been unsuccessful but that they will revisit the question and follow up at the planned staff meeting.

The council took no formal action on the report; the chief asked residents with questions about scams to contact the police department directly.