1. How can I get a copy of a Police Report?
You must go to The Police Department located at 800 Westover Drive, across from the Co-Op, and request a copy of the report. The Records Deparment is open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM Monday thru Friday. Requests for reports by mail will be honored only when payment is included in request. Checks or money orders should be made to the City Of Columbia.

2. Is there a charge for copies of reports?
There is a fee for coping reports. Fees are as follows:
1. Traffic Crash Report (Reported as more than $400 damage to vehicles) $5.00
2. Traffic Crash Report (Reported as less that $400 damage to vehicles) $3.00
3. Offense Report $3.00
4. Arrest Report $3.00
5. Local Police Department Records Check $3.00
6. Miscellaneous / Other Reports $3.00 per page

3. What information is needed to obtain a copy of a report?
1.Traffic Crash Reports - Name of the Driver of the vehicle and the date of the report. The Police Department only has reports of crashes that occurred in the City Limits of Columbia.
2. Offense Reports - Name of Victim and the Date of the Report.
3. Arrest Reports - Name of Offender and the Date of the Arrest.
4. Records Check - Full Name, Date of Birth, and maiden or any previous names used.

4. Why is there no Insurance information on the traffic crash report?
Police officers must complete a traffic crash report that is designed by the Tennessee Department of Safety as mandated by Tennessee Code Annotated 55-10-111. Insurance information is not a part of that crash report. Even though Tennessee Code Annotated 55-12-139 "Compliance with financial responsibility law required - Evidence of compliance - Issuance of citations by police service technicians.
a) Every vehicle driven on the highways of this state must be in compliance with the financial responsibility law"
requires each driver to be financially responsible there is no place on the report requiring the details of that financial responsibility.

5. Does Columbia have a leash law?
Columbia does not have a leash law as some of the larger cities may have. A dog or cat can be outside a residence unrestrained as long as that animal stays on the owners property. The City Ordinance state that:

10-208.Dogs not allowed to run at large.

1 It shall be unlawful for any person within the corporate limits of the City of Columbia, Tennessee, to allow a dog belonging to him, or under his control, or that may be habitually found on premises occupied by him, or immediately under his control, to go upon the premises of another, or upon a highway or upon a public road or street, unless being moved from one place to another, by a person owning or controlling said dog. Violation of this section shall be punished as set forth in § 10-208. (1968 Code, § 3-209)

6. How can I pay a traffic ticket?
Traffic citations are handled by the City Recorders office. Follow this link for information on City Court and how to pay a ticket. City of Columbia City Recorder

7. Do Fire / Burglar / Panic Alarms Require a Permit?
Yes, all residential and commercial alarms that have an audible or dial out to contact police or fire require a permit. $15 for residential and $30 for commercial. Permits can be obtained at the front desk at City Hall. The permit requires that you list 3 Local persons, name, address, phone number, to be contacted should your alarm activate and you can not be reached.