The West Columbia Police Department is comprised of fifty-two sworn law enforcement officers and twelve civilian employees. Located at 200 N. 12th Street in the heart of West Columbia, the Police Department’s administrative offices are open for business from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The telephone number for the West Columbia Police Department is 803-794-0721. Non-emergency police calls should dial extension 221 in order to speak to a dispatcher or use the directory for specific personnel available on this page. Emergency callers should always dial 911.

Records Division

The Records Division handles requests for copies of incident reports as well as many other functions. Fine payments are accepted during normal business hours. The Records Division also provide releases to owners of towed vehicles within the city.  Copies of incident reports are available at a cost of $3 per report.  The Records Division can be reached by calling Senior Records Clerk Mary Oliver at 939-3193 or Records Clerk Becky Lee at 939-3196.

Patrol Division

Major Jackie Brothers leads the West Columbia Police Department’s Patrol Division. There are four patrol shifts. Each shift consists of a sergeant, a corporal and four patrol officers. There is a dedicated dispatcher assigned to each shift. The city is broken down into four patrol areas where these officers handle all calls that come into the department’s dispatch center.  In 2007, the West Columbia Police Department handled over 30,000 service calls within the city. Major Brothers can be reached at 939-3182.  Patrol Lieutenant Scott Morrison can be contacted at 939-3187.

Victim Services

The West Columbia Police Department is dedicated to providing the best possible services to victims of crime within the city. A full-time Victims’ Assistance Officer is on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to respond to crime scenes or other calls where their services might be beneficial. The Victims’ Assistance Officer insures that all victims are notified of their rights under South Carolina Law, and that they are informed of available services that might be of assistance to them. Examples might be shelter for battered women and their children, assistance with filing for crime victim compensation benefits, counseling referrals, court accompaniment, assistance with obtaining warrants, and providing information concerning their case as well as the criminal justice system. Victims Assistance Officers Colleen Belk may be reached by calling 939-3185 or April Bayne may be reached by calling 939-8638.

Community Action Team

Two officers are assigned to serve the City of West Columbia as the Community Action Team. In addition to answering calls for service, these officers work with Neighborhood Associations and Crime Watch Groups to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of the city. The Community Action Team is also available to address community and civic groups concerning issues related to law enforcement.  If you have an interest in forming a Neighborhood Watch, or would like a presentation on Crime Prevention, Gun Safety, Child Safety, Gang Prevention, or other related topics, contact Lieutenant Scott Morrison at 939-3187 or PFC Jeff Phillips at 794-3506 ext. 280.

River Patrol Officer

With the inception of the Riverwalk Project sponsored by the River Alliance, the West Columbia Police Department assigned a full-time officer to patrol the Riverwalk area. The park is patrolled from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily for the security of visitors. Additionally, the Police Department monitors emergency call boxes that are placed along the Riverwalk Project.  For questions or concerns regarding the West Columbia River Walk, contact Lt. Scott Morrison at 939-3187.

Court Liaison Officer

The Court Liaison Officer serves multiple functions for the Police Department. This officer insures compliance with NCIC guidelines by serving as the Terminal Agency Coordinator for the dispatch center. Additionally, he handles Preliminary Hearings and Grand Jury hearings for the department, and acts as a liaison between the Police Department and the 11th Circuit Solicitor's Office on court related issues.  For additional information concerning these matters, contact Sergeant John Dollar at 939-3194.

Codes Enforcement

The Police Department has two specialized officers who handle codes related issues for the city. Their primary function is to enhance the quality of life for citizens by enforcing city codes dealing with abandoned vehicles, debris, signage and other business violations, animal control issues, and any other such matters. They work closely with both businesses and residents to improve the city’s appearance and to insure compliance with local ordinances. Citizens who have questions concerning city ordinances regarding codes related issues can contact Sergeant Aaron Miller at 794-3506 ext.197 or PFC Phillip Morrell at 794-3506 ext. 831.

Training

The Department has a full-time training officer who coordinates training for both certified and civilian employees of the department. The department has in-house instructors in emergency driving, firearms, chemical weapons, and NCIC. The training officer works with other agencies to offer joint training opportunities for staff. Additionally, the training officer coordinates the West Columbia Citizens Academy which allows citizens to get a first hand look at the inner workings of the Department.  Sergeant Shane Phillips can be reached at 939-3188.

Chaplain

There is a volunteer chaplain who serves the West Columbia Police Department’s officers. The chaplain does ride alongs with officers, and provides support services to both officers and their families. Additionally, the chaplain provides emergency response to assist victims and other citizens who might need his specialized services.  Chaplain Joe Borgkvist can be reached at 794-3506 ext. 823.

Reserve Officers

The West Columbia Police Department has a reserve officer program that began in 1978. Citizen volunteers complete an extensive training program. They must meet the same back qualification as that of a regular sworn patrol officer.  This includes having a high school education, be at least 21 years of age, have no criminal record, have a valid S.C. driver's license, have a drug free background, undergo a background investigation, and be physically fit.  Upon completion, these volunteers serve to enhance patrol services for the department by working alongside regular patrol officers in an enforcement capacity to provide enhanced manpower.  Reserve officers are required to complete a minimum of sixty hours of service per quarter in order to retain their certification. For information concerning the reserve officer program, contact Sgt. Shane Phillips at 939-3188.

SORT Team

The West Columbia Police Department has a nine-man Special Operations Response Team that is trained and equipped to deal with high risk warrants,hostage and barricaded subject situations, and other potentially dangerous missions.  The SORT Team is under the direction of Lt. Scott Morrison.

Hazmat Team

The Police Department has a six-man team trained and equipped to deal with limited hazardous materials situations within the city. The HazMat Team is under the direction of Sgt. Aaron Miller.

Color Guard

A five-man color guard was created in 2002 to serve the department and the West Metro Area. The color guard has provided their services at business, civic and other area functions on multiple occasions.  The Color Guard is under the direction of Lieutenant Scott Morrison.

Crisis Response Team

The Department has a team of six officers specifically trained in crisis negotiation skills. This team is available to respond to emergencies such as hostages or barricaded subjects, potentially suicidal subjects, and other such situations. Sgt. Shane Phillips is the coordinator of the department's crisis response team.

Swiftwater Rescue Team

The West Columbia Police Department, in conjunction with the Fire Department, has developed a swiftwater rescue team that is available to handle emergencies along the riverfront.  This team's purpose is to provide aid to kayak and canoe enthusiasts, tubers, and others who may become endangered by sudden rises in the water level or other hazards.  The team is under the direction of Sergeant Brandon Field.

Animal Control

The department has a full-time animal control officer who is available during normal business hours.  The ACO is available to handle animal complaints and to enforce municipal ordinances relating to animal control.  To contact Animal Control Officer Jan Otterbacher, call the dispatcher at 794-0721 ext. 1.