Public safety has become a growing concern in downtown Columbia, prompting swift and coordinated action from local, state, and university leaders. On October 1, the University of Missouri President Mun Choi and Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe announced a series of immediate measures to strengthen security and reassure residents, students, and business owners that safety remains a top priority.
The announcement follows weeks of increasing concern from community members, who have pointed to crime-related issues in the city’s core entertainment and business district. Columbia’s downtown is widely recognized for its vibrant restaurants, theaters, and shops, but recent reports of criminal activity have created a sense of unease. In response, officials say they are doubling down on proactive policing, environmental improvements, and strengthened prosecutorial consistency.
A Partnership Approach
The measures announced highlight the importance of partnerships among law enforcement, government agencies, and the broader community. The University of Missouri Police Department (MUPD), Columbia Police Department (CPD), Boone County Sheriff’s Office, the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office, and state and federal officials are all playing active roles in the initiative.
President Mun Choi emphasized that the plan reflects a shared responsibility:
“Our community deserves a safe and welcoming downtown. Through collaboration with city leaders, law enforcement, and the people of Columbia, we are making sure that our students, families, and local businesses have the protection and peace of mind they need.”
Immediate Action Items
The crime-fighting strategy announced on Monday includes a wide range of coordinated actions:
- Increased Staffing and Foot Patrols: CPD and MUPD will step up staffing, with expanded foot patrols in the downtown area during peak weekend hours to deter crime and provide visible security.
- State and County Law Enforcement Support: Columbia Police Chief Jill Schlude confirmed that the Missouri State Highway Patrol will provide additional officers to patrol during high-traffic times. Boone County Sheriff Dwayne Carey will also allocate more deputies to reinforce coverage.
- Meetings with State and Federal Leaders: Leaders will meet with Governor Mike Kehoe and U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri Matt Price to explore ways that state and federal resources—both prosecutorial and programmatic—can be leveraged to strengthen safety efforts.
- Environmental Reviews: The city will conduct reviews of downtown infrastructure, including lighting, sidewalk access, and vehicle traffic flow. Improvements will be prioritized to reduce risk in areas where safety issues are most prevalent.
- Ordinance Updates: City ordinances related to crowd control and downtown safety will be reviewed and updated, with immediate action where appropriate. This includes measures to address overcrowding, public disturbances, and late-night activity.
- Case Audits: The Boone County Prosecutor’s Office will conduct an internal audit of cases involving weapons offenses, trespass, peace disturbance, and misdemeanor assaults. The aim is to ensure consistency and alignment in how these cases are being prosecuted to deter repeat offenses.
A Safer Downtown for Students and Residents
Columbia’s downtown is not only a hub for nightlife and dining but also central to the experience of thousands of University of Missouri students. Parents and business owners have been increasingly vocal about ensuring that the city remains a safe place for both work and leisure.
Mayor Barbara Buffaloe underscored the city’s commitment to community values:
“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.”
Officials also highlighted support for the Ride Home program, which assists individuals who travel to Columbia for healthcare but need safe transportation back to their communities outside Boone County. Leaders say programs like this reduce potential risks downtown while ensuring people in need receive care without added safety concerns.
Balancing Vibrancy with Safety
One of the challenges Columbia faces is maintaining the lively, welcoming atmosphere that makes its downtown so attractive while also addressing crime-related concerns. Leaders stress that the measures being implemented are designed not to stifle nightlife or commerce, but to safeguard it.
By increasing patrol visibility, updating ordinances, and addressing environmental concerns such as lighting and sidewalk safety, officials hope to strike the right balance between vibrancy and protection.
Long-Term Vision
While the announced measures are focused on immediate improvements, officials recognize that sustainable change requires a long-term vision. Conducting audits of prosecutorial practices, engaging with federal and state resources, and encouraging active participation from downtown business owners through “letters of enforcement” are steps aimed at building a foundation for consistent, long-lasting safety improvements.
President Choi expressed his appreciation for the city’s unified approach:
“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.”
As these measures take shape, Columbia residents, students, and business owners will be watching closely. The success of this coordinated strategy will likely serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges across the state.
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