The Columbia Police Officers Association (CPOA) is asking residents to attend tonight’s city council meeting to support law enforcement. Attorney Donald Weaver will address the council tonight and is expected to call on them to support law enforcement. The CPOA says criminals in Columbia have become more emboldened, noting a suspect recently allegedly tried to rape women on the MKT trail in broad daylight. The CPOA also says “pedestrians downtown and elsewhere can routinely be seen harassing others, littering and even defecating on the streets and sidewalks.” CPOA President Matt Nichols joined us live on “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”, and praises police chief Geoff Jones and city manager De’Carlon Seewood. He’s critical of the council vote on FUSUS and blasts what he describes as “crazy activists” who speak at council meetings, saying they bully the council:
(AUDIO): Columbia Police Officers Association (CPOA) president Matt Nichols previews tonight’s city council meeting on “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”
The Columbia Police Officers Association (CPOA) is asking residents to attend tonight’s city council meeting to support law enforcement. Attorney Donald Weaver will address the council tonight and is expected to call on them to support law enforcement. The CPOA says criminals in Columbia have become more emboldened, noting a suspect recently allegedly tried to rape women on the MKT trail in broad daylight. The CPOA also says “pedestrians downtown and elsewhere can routinely be seen harassing others, littering and even defecating on the streets and sidewalks.” CPOA President Matt Nichols joined us live on “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”, and praises police chief Geoff Jones and city manager De’Carlon Seewood. He’s critical of the council vote on FUSUS and blasts what he describes as “crazy activists” who speak at council meetings, saying they bully the council:
(AUDIO): Comobuz.com publisher Mike Murphy appears on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Round Table”
Comobuz.com publisher Mike Murphy says the Columbia city council’s 4-3 vote against the FUSUS camera system came with a call for change in the city’s approach to violent crime. Mr. Murphy joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Round Table.” They discussed FUSUS in-detail, as well as the council. Murphy says First Ward Councilwoman Pat Fowler is now the de facto leader of the council. They also discussed Columbia’s utility woes and trash collection, specifically the requirement for using city logo bags and the possibility of roll carts next year:
(AUDIO) Columbia Police chief Jones discusses FUSUS on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”
Columbia’s city council is set to vote tonight on a camera platform called FUSUS. Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones strongly supports the plan. He describes FUSUS as a platform that allows CPD to take video that is already out in the community and bring them into one platform. FUSUS allow you to decide if and how you participate, regarding cameras. Critics worry the cameras will target minorities. Chief Jones addressed the issue in-detail during a live interview on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri.” He joined us in-studio:
CPD: FUSUS does not identify people based on race
Columbia Police say there is no attempt by the city to add cameras for the purpose of general surveillance.
CPD representatives delivered a four-page report to the city council on Monday evening about FUSUS, which is a platform that allows citizens to decide if and how they participate.
Columbia Police say cameras and camera systems that are privately owned are a great benefit to the community, and that officers often obtain video for reported crimes by conducting canvasses, which are personnel-intensive.
Critics have a number of concerns, and worry about what the cameras will be used for.
CPD representatives also say FUSUS does not identify people based on race, and does not use facial recognition. Columbia Police emphasize that they don’t have the staff to conduct general surveillance, nor would they allow it.
They say they’re simply asking to access information that already exists more efficiently. Columbia Police also say the use of existing camera systems to aid in the detection and apprehension of violators is empowering for residents.
While the city council discussed the issue last night, there was no vote, since it wasn’t an action item.