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5 Major Updates Rocking The Columbia Police Department TN: New Leadership, $1.3M Grant, And TBI's Most Wanted

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The Columbia Police Department (CPD) in Tennessee is currently undergoing a period of significant transformation and strategic growth, positioning itself for a highly proactive year in 2026. As of late December 2025, the department has made headlines with a major leadership change, secured a massive influx of state funding, and continues to vigorously pursue high-profile cases, demonstrating a clear commitment to community safety and modern law enforcement practices.

This deep dive provides the most current, up-to-date information on the CPD, focusing on the fresh initiatives, key personnel changes, and critical public safety updates that are shaping the future of policing in Maury County.

New Leadership and Strategic Direction: Chief Jeremy Haywood Takes the Helm

The most consequential update for the Columbia Police Department is the transition in leadership at the very top. After a dedicated career, Chief Jeremy T. Alsup announced his retirement, paving the way for a new era of command.

The Rise of Chief Jeremy Haywood

In a move that signifies continuity and deep institutional knowledge, Assistant Chief of Police Jeremy Haywood was officially named the new Chief of Police for Columbia, Tennessee. Chief Haywood brings a wealth of experience, boasting a 27-year career in law enforcement, and notably, he is a second-generation law enforcement professional. His promotion is a strong indicator that the CPD is committed to building upon its established foundation while embracing new strategies for community engagement and crime reduction.

  • Name: Jeremy Haywood
  • New Title: Chief of Police, Columbia Police Department (CPD)
  • Predecessor: Chief Jeremy T. Alsup (Retiring)
  • Experience: 27-year career in law enforcement
  • Significance: Represents a strategic internal promotion ensuring a smooth leadership transition and continued focus on high-quality police services.

The new leadership is expected to focus heavily on maintaining crime prevention as the primary goal while ensuring the department's values of professional and ethical service are upheld by all members of the CPD.

$1.3 Million Boost: The Violent Crime Reduction Act Grant

In a monumental financial win that will directly impact the CPD's operational capacity, the City of Columbia was proudly awarded a substantial $1.3 million grant. This significant funding was secured through the State of Tennessee’s Violent Crime Reduction Act Grant.

The announcement, made in late 2025, confirms a major investment into the department’s resources, allowing for enhanced strategies to combat violent crime within the city. This grant is not merely a budget increase; it is a strategic tool that will likely be used to fund new technology, hire additional personnel, and implement targeted initiatives designed to reduce crime rates and enhance public safety throughout Columbia.

The State of Tennessee's commitment to supporting local law enforcement through the Violent Crime Reduction Act demonstrates the importance of the CPD's role in the broader statewide effort to ensure safer communities. This funding will be critical for the department's operations throughout 2026 and beyond.

High-Profile Cases and Ongoing Public Safety Operations

The Columbia Police Department has been actively involved in several high-profile cases and ongoing investigations, underscoring the daily challenges faced by its investigators and patrol officers.

The TBI Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive

One of the most critical current operations involves the search for a suspect placed on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) Top 10 Most Wanted list. Clifton Donnell Craig of Columbia is being actively sought by both the CPD and the TBI on a charge of 1st Degree Murder. The collaboration between the CPD and state-level agencies like the TBI highlights the department’s vigorous pursuit of those who commit serious crimes.

Recent Fatal Shooting Investigation

CPD investigators have been diligently working on a fatal shooting incident that occurred at a local Airbnb over the summer. The department has successfully made a third arrest in connection with the case, demonstrating a persistent effort to bring justice to victims and hold all responsible parties accountable. These complex investigations require significant resources and dedication from the department’s investigative unit.

Officer-Involved Shooting Review

In line with standard procedure and state transparency requirements, the CPD was also involved in an officer-involved shooting incident on June 3. Such events are subject to rigorous review by the State of Tennessee to ensure proper protocol was followed, reflecting the accountability measures in place for law enforcement actions.

Transparency and Community Engagement Initiatives

Beyond its core law enforcement duties, the Columbia Police Department is committed to fostering trust and transparency with the citizens it serves. Several key initiatives are currently underway to improve these relationships.

The Public Data Initiative

The CPD has launched a Public Data Initiative, which is a major step toward transparency. This initiative provides accessible, convenient, and transparent information for the public, allowing citizens to better understand the department's operations, crime statistics, and community impact. This focus on open data is a hallmark of modern, forward-thinking police services.

Technology Upgrades and Community Feedback

The department is seeking the community's feedback regarding the renewal and upgrades to its Axon technology package. Axon is a critical technology provider for body-worn cameras and other essential law enforcement tools. Seeking public input on these technological investments ensures that the CPD's tools align with community expectations for accountability and service.

Annual "Shop with a Cop" Event

A beloved and highly anticipated community outreach program is the annual "Shop with a Cop" event. This initiative is crucial for fostering a stronger, more positive relationship between law enforcement officers and the youth of Columbia. It allows officers to connect with families and children in a positive, non-enforcement setting, building a foundation of trust that is vital for long-term community safety.

Requesting Police Records and Contact Information

For citizens needing information regarding the CPD, the Records Unit provides clear guidelines for obtaining official documents, such as incident reports.

  • Incident Reports (Within 14 Days of Current Date): Free for the victim; $3.00 for all other parties.
  • Incident Reports (Outside of 14 Days): Free for the victim; fees may apply for other parties.

The department's commitment to providing high-quality police services is evident in its dedication to crime prevention, its pursuit of justice in high-profile cases, and its proactive approach to community engagement and transparency. With Chief Jeremy Haywood leading the department and a significant $1.3 million grant secured, the Columbia Police Department is well-equipped to enhance community safety and meet the challenges of 2026 and beyond.

5 Major Updates Rocking the Columbia Police Department TN: New Leadership, $1.3M Grant, and TBI's Most Wanted
columbia police dept tn
columbia police dept tn

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