Columbia police chief Tandy Carter announced today that the department has reached a goal of 100% staffing for all sworn officers positions. Carter stated, “This is a major accomplishment for the department and, though the budgeted positions are full, we are able to actively recruit for new officers based on a recently awarded grant which will provide the funding for those new positions.”

In the last year, the Columbia Police Department has hosted several community recruiting events and a very successful career expo. The department also has a full time recruiter who not only travels in the Midlands but also throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia looking for candidates who want a career in law enforcement. Columbia Police Department’s Recruiting Division has been participating in local college and business job fairs in Columbia and will have a booth at the South Carolina State Fair this month.

On July 28 of this year the Columbia Police Department was awarded $2,829,132 grant for the funding of 18 police officer positions from the COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP) Grant. This grant is currently funding three officers and will be used to pay the salaries of the 15 remaining positions.

Columbia Police Department is actively recruiting for the 15 positions for Columbia Police Officers. These new officers will be hired under the CHRP Grant.

The hiring process begins with all interested persons obtaining an application either in person at the City of Columbia Employment Department at 1225 Lady Street or downloading an application from the Columbia Police Department’s link www.columbiapd.com/cp d_004.htm. Contact Lieutenant D.K. Martin at 803- 545-3550 or Officer Walt Field 803-545-3552 for more information.