HISTORY

The City of Columbia was officially chartered on November 16, 1807. The County Court appointed the first Patrollers or Town marshals for the town in December of 1808. These men had the responsibility of preserving order in the town. The men first appointed to serve as Town marshals were: J. W. Craig, Perry Cohea, and Samuel McClosky.

The name Columbia was given to the area carved from the territories of the Cherokees, Creeks, Choctaws, and Chickasaw Indians. The community has grown from a land area of two square miles to more than twenty - nine square miles.

Columbia received its first city charter in 1807. It was probably not until this charter was amended in 1850 that Columbia had its first official police officer ( city marshal ). John M. Cook was considered the first person to fill this position.

The Columbia Police Department was officially established by a Mayor/Alderman form of government on June 13, 1883. This police department was made up of a Town Marshal and two officers. The first Town Marshal was R. H. Guest. In 1899, John Latta was appointed Town marshal or Chief of Police. Latta also had the distinction of appointment as the City of Columbia's first Fire Chief on May 29, 1901.

The Columbia Police Department was made up of a six member team by April 4, 1901. Two of the members of the police department were paid by the railroad, since Depot Street was the roughest part of the City of Columbia during this period.

The first policy enacted for the Police Department is found in the minutes of the Mayor and Alderman Meeting on October 13, 1902. This stated that no police officer shall consume any alcoholic drink or beverage during the performance of his duties.

Men who have served as Chief of Police since the department's organization in 1883 are: R. H. Guest, 1883-1899; John Latta, 1899-1904; Love Webb, 1904-1908; C. C. Morgan, 1908-1910; T. E. Morgan, 1910-1912; T. L. McLean, 1912-1920; Bailey Peyton, 1920-1938; Walter Griffin, 1938-1950; Emmitt P. Fox, 1950-1971; Luther H. Harris, Jr., 1971-1975; Edward L. Holton, 1975-1986; Luther H. Harris, Jr., 1986-1987; Edward L. Holton, 1987-1988; James B. Boyd, Jr., 1988-2001 Barry Crotzer 2001-present.

The purpose of the Columbia Police Department is to protect life and property, prevent crime, preserve the peace and enforce all laws and ordinances within the confines of its jurisdiction.

Throughout the coming years, the Columbia Police Department will devote itself to its mission and be ever mindful of the fact that the men and women who make up this agency are part of this community, NOT apart from it.

Columbia Police Officers through out the years:(Click Thunbnail for larger Picture)