The search for Columbia’s next police chief is down to eight semifinalists.

City manager De’Carlon Seewood says interviews will be conducted with the eight. Mr. Seewood tells 939 the Eagle that the four finalists will be in Columbia on October 18 and 19, which is a Wednesday and Thursday.

“We have a very robust process, and we really need the residents to turn out. So on October 18 we’re going to have a community forum, where residents can hear from the police chief candidates to speak on issues that are important to them,” Seewood says.

The October 18 forum will take place at 6 pm in the city council chambers in downtown Columbia. An informal meet-and-greet with the final four candidates will take place after the community forum.

While their names haven’t been released, Mr. Seewood is praising the qualifications of the eight semifinalists.

“When we look at the caliber of the people that apply to be police chief, it’s an example of how great this community is,” says Seewood.

Mr. Seewood isn’t saying if any of the eight semifinalists are from Columbia, but emphasizes the names of the four finalists will be released before the forum.

Former Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones retired in August, after serving as chief since 2019. Matt Stephens is serving as interim chief.

The search for Columbia’s next police chief is down to eight semifinalists.

City manager De’Carlon Seewood says interviews will be conducted with the eight. Mr. Seewood tells 939 the Eagle that the four finalists will be in Columbia on October 18 and 19, which is a Wednesday and Thursday.

“We have a very robust process, and we really need the residents to turn out. So on October 18 we’re going to have a community forum, where residents can hear from the police chief candidates to speak on issues that are important to them,” Seewood says.

The October 18 forum will take place at 6 pm in the city council chambers in downtown Columbia. An informal meet-and-greet with the final four candidates will take place after the community forum.

While their names haven’t been released, Mr. Seewood is praising the qualifications of the eight semifinalists.

“When we look at the caliber of the people that apply to be police chief, it’s an example of how great this community is,” says Seewood.

Mr. Seewood isn’t saying if any of the eight semifinalists are from Columbia, but emphasizes the names of the four finalists will be released before the forum.

Former Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones retired in August, after serving as chief since 2019. Matt Stephens is serving as interim chief.