DOJ Roadmap for Implementation for Columbus, Ohio police yields review, changes to problem solving

With the completion of a Roadmap for Implementation for the Columbus Division of Police (CDP) by the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), reformation work has begun in the Ohio city to examine and revise the use of force, problem-solving and more.

The federal insights were sought by request of the city of Columbus, Ohio. Upon receipt, city and CDP officials launched a request for an independent review of CDP’s use of force policies and practices, along with a technology assessment and assistance with the design and development of proactive problem-solving strategies. COPS agreed to undertake those reviews as well, moving beyond this collection of policy reviews and associated training, recruitment, technology, staffing, and leadership training.

“The Justice Department, through our COPS Office, is proud to work with police departments seeking to improve and learn from best practices in the field,” Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said. “The city’s request to expand its engagement with COPS to review additional areas, including CDP’s use of force policies, is an important step that will benefit both CDP and the community.”

COPS helps the Justice Department advocate for community policing improvements nationwide in work with state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies. Created in 1994, it provides resources to balance crime reduction and building trust between law enforcement and their communities.

“The roadmap we have shared with CDP and the assistance we have provided will help the department in its collaborative efforts to enhance public safety. We commend the CDP for reaching out to the Department of Justice and for working diligently alongside the COPS Office in this process,” Hugh Clements, Jr., Director of the COPS Office, said. “We look forward to continuing to partner with CDP as we begin the additional assistance that has been requested, and we know that both the department and the community will be well-served by all of this work in the months and years ahead.”