City Departments

The West Columbia Police Department is comprised of fifty-seven 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 our website. Emergency callers should always dial 911.

Welcome to the West Columbia Police Department. Our department serves a community of almost 15,000 residents as well as the many motorists who travel through our city daily. We are committed to providing the highest level of professionalism and service to our citizens. In recent years, we have enhanced our basic patrol and investigative functions to include such resources as Victim Services, Community Policing, Codes Enforcement, and Riverwalk Park Security. Our officers are dedicated to serving the citizens of West Columbia by providing safe neighborhoods and a superior quality of life. We are proud to protect and serve!

Captain Seth Zeigler leads the Special Operations Division of the department. His responsibilities include the Community Action Team (CAT), Traffic Enforcement Unit, Victim's Advocate, River Walk Patrol and Records.  Captain Zeigler may be reached at 803.939.3184. 

The West Columbia Police Department’s Investigative Division is headed by Lieutenant Bruce Wade who leads a division of ten other criminal investigators. This division is assigned to investigate all serious criminal cases, as well as narcotics and vice within the city. Two specialized investigators work with all family violence related cases and one investigator works with cases involving juvenile crime and gang violence. Additionally, this unit processes crime scenes and is responsible for all evidence collected by officers. Lieutenant Wade can be reached at 803.936.6277.

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 Officer Colleen Belk may be reached by calling 803.939.3185.

Five 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 John Norman at 803.936.6280.

The West Columbia River Walk Park is patrolled by two full-time Park Rangers. The park is patrolled from 7:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. daily for the security of visitors. Additionally, the Police Department monitors emergency call boxes that are placed along the River Walk Project. For questions or concerns regarding the West Columbia River Walk, contact Lieutenant John Norman at 803.936.6280.

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 Citizen's Academy which allows citizens to get a first hand look at the inner workings of the Department. Lieutenant Wayne Kleckley can be reached at 803.939.3188.

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 who may be reached at 803.939.3187.

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 Lieutenant John Norman.

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 Morgan Pileggi, call 803.794.0721 ext. 3.