93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
Missouri’s governor met with the leaders of the Columbia Police Department and the Columbia Area Career Center on Monday in Jefferson City, to outline efforts to improve police recruiting through youth career path training.
Governor Mike Parson’s spokeswoman, Kelli Jones, tells 939 the Eagle that the 30-minute meeting included Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones, assistant chiefs Jeremiah Hunter and Matt Stephens and CACC director Brandon Russell. CPD spokeswoman Toni Messina also attended the meeting, which took place at the governor’s office.
The governor tweeted on Monday that as a former Polk County sheriff, he knows first-hand the importance of recruiting and training the next generation of law enforcement officers.
Police chief Geoff Jones tells 939 the Eagle that CPD is currently down 23 police officers. The chief is also pleased with Monday’s meeting.
Voters in Columbia Public Schools (CPS) approved an $80-million bond issue earlier this month. While most of the focus was on construction of a new $25-million elementary school in south Columbia, the bond issue will also fund a $15-million addition and renovation at the Columbia Area Career Center.
