Leaders Announce Immediate Measures to Fight Crime in Downtown Columbia

The City of Columbia and the University of Missouri have come together with law enforcement and community leaders to address growing concerns about public safety in the city’s downtown area. On October 1, University of Missouri President Mun Choi and Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe issued a joint statement outlining urgent measures that will be implemented immediately to curb rising crime and restore confidence in the community.

Columbia, often celebrated for its vibrant downtown filled with restaurants, theaters, and shops, has recently faced challenges linked to increased criminal activity. Residents, business owners, and families of students have voiced concerns, prompting swift action from both city officials and the university. Leaders emphasized that solving these issues will require not only enforcement but also cooperation, innovative approaches, and long-term planning.

Collaboration Across Agencies

The plan announced this week underscores unprecedented collaboration among multiple agencies. In addition to the City of Columbia and the University of Missouri Police Department (MUPD), partners include the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office, and federal and state agencies.

University President Mun Choi highlighted that this is more than just a policing issue—it’s about creating a secure environment where students, families, and businesses can thrive. “We are aligned in our approach through sustained partnership with public safety and community partners,” he said.

Immediate Action Items Announced

The meeting between local leaders produced a detailed set of action items designed to have an immediate impact. These include:

• Boosting Staffing Levels: The Columbia Police Department and MUPD will increase staffing. More officers will be deployed to ensure greater visibility and faster response times.
• Foot Patrol Expansion: Both CPD and MUPD will enhance their foot patrol presence during peak weekend hours in the downtown region, when nightlife activity is at its highest.
• State Law Enforcement Support: Missouri Highway Patrol officers will join weekend patrols downtown, adding a visible deterrent to criminal activity.
• Additional Sheriff’s Deputies: Boone County Sheriff Dwayne Carey committed to providing more deputies for downtown patrols.
• Federal and State Discussions: Meetings are scheduled with U.S. Attorney Matt Price and Governor Mike Kehoe to evaluate how federal and state prosecutorial resources can support local crime reduction efforts.
• Ride Home Program Support: Authorities will expand the Ride Home program, ensuring that people traveling into Columbia for health care can return safely to their communities outside Boone County.
• Business Enforcement Letters: Every downtown business owner will be asked to complete a letter of enforcement, which helps law enforcement address violations on private property more effectively.
• Review of Ordinances: City ordinances related to crowd control, safety, and downtown activity will be reviewed and updated, with immediate changes made where necessary.
• Environmental Safety Review: Leaders will evaluate downtown infrastructure, including lighting, sidewalk use, and traffic flow, as well as concerns about individuals sleeping on sidewalks, to create a safer, more accessible environment.
• Prosecutor’s Office Audit: An internal audit will review how the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office has been handling cases related to weapons offenses, trespassing, peace disturbances, and misdemeanor assaults. The goal is to ensure consistency, effectiveness, and alignment with community safety priorities.

Voices of Commitment

Mayor Buffaloe underscored her dedication to ensuring that downtown Columbia remains a safe, welcoming place for everyone. “I am committed to working with these partners to make changes that align with our community values and create a safe and healthy environment for students, families and business owners,” she said.

President Choi echoed these sentiments, praising the leadership of both the city and law enforcement. “I am grateful for the leadership of Mayor Buffaloe and Chief Schlude. Their deep commitment to the safety of Columbia residents and our students is greatly appreciated,” he stated.

Community Impact and Long-Term Goals

These measures are designed not only to address immediate safety concerns but also to reassure the public that leaders are actively listening and responding. Business owners downtown have repeatedly expressed concerns about customer safety and the long-term impact crime could have on Columbia’s economic and cultural life.

Parents of students, particularly those at the University of Missouri, have also voiced anxieties about safety during late-night hours downtown. The inclusion of both city and university law enforcement in the new measures reflects an understanding that Columbia’s future depends on maintaining trust between students, residents, and the community at large.

Local leaders emphasized that these steps are only the beginning. By involving federal and state officials, Columbia is signaling that it is willing to explore every possible avenue to create a sustainable model for safety and security.