VIDEO: Residents Volunteer To Assist Police Department To Help Bring About Change In The City

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)-Earlier this year, the City of Columbus hired a consultant, Dr. K.B. Turner, to examine the police department.

One of his recommendations was to encourage residents to volunteer their time to help officers.

On Thursday, the residents met with Dr. Turner and leaders of CPD to discuss things they can do to help out.

“We’ve had so many crimes and disruption with our children, with our teenagers, and I think it’s important if we were, if they could see an example from the older people, or the mature people getting out there and getting involved,” said Christine Chandler, one of the residents who came out to volunteer.

The group of volunteers who came out said they desperately want to see Columbus live up to its name, “The Friendly City.”

They’ve all lived in Columbus for decades and know the kind of changes the city need.

“I understand in order to realize what I believe and envision this city to be, which would be a great city, then I have to be a part of that process,” said Rhonda Scott, one of the five residents who came out volunteer. “Volunteering is one of the means or the way I can do that and be a part of the process.”

The residents will help officers write reports, conduct background checks, and help out in any other needed areas.

“I’m looking forward to the volunteer time,” said Jessie Koonce, who’s excited about volunteering. “Just using my time effectively, efficiently, and hopefully in a manner that will help the police department.”

“Volunteering my time means I’m committed,” Scott expressed. “I’m in this to contribute to the changes and the improvement, and the celebration, everything that goes with a city that is vibrant.”

With residents working together with the police department, many believe it could have a big impact on the city.

It could help decrease the crime rate and also help strengthen the relationship between the community and law enforcement.

“I feel like if we would get in there and push them, or if we were supporters of the police department, then they could do a better job because they know that they could depend on the people in the neighborhood to help,” said Chandler.

Columbus Assistant Police Chief Fred Shelton said the volunteers will begin their training process in about a week.

If anyone is interested in volunteering you’re encouraged to call or visit CPD.