Chief Evan Burton: On Thursday, July 9, 2026, at approximately 1:40 p.m., while monitoring law enforcement radio traffic, I made the decision to respond to an incident outside the City of Columbia to provide assistance should additional law enforcement resources become necessary.
While en route, I observed a Columbia Police Officer responding to the same incident with emergency lights and siren. As the responding supervisor, I instructed the officer via radio to cancel his response and return to service within the City of Columbia.
This decision was made to maintain adequate police coverage for the citizens of Columbia.
Upon my arrival, the scene was secure. Law enforcement personnel already on scene had the incident under control.
The Columbia Police Department has established policies and procedures governing responses outside the City of Columbia. These policies are designed to ensure accountability, maintain adequate police coverage within the city, and protect both the department and its officers. Our primary responsibility is to provide law enforcement services to the citizens of Columbia 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Except in emergency circumstances or when specifically authorized, officers responding outside the city limits are required to notify and obtain approval from a supervisor. The Columbia Police Department maintains either an on-duty supervisor or an on-call supervisor at all times to provide appropriate oversight and direction.
The Columbia Police Department has a long history of assisting neighboring law enforcement agencies when requested, and we will continue to provide that assistance whenever circumstances permit. At the same time, we must balance those requests with our responsibility to ensure adequate police protection for the citizens of Columbia.
Evan Burton, Chief of Police
(Trey Stephens – City of Columbia)