COLUMBUS POLICE DEPARTMENT PO Box 186 | 510 Tenth Stest Colbie, GX 31902-1866, F,D. Blackmon Chief of Police J. Dent-Fitepatick Assistant Chief of Police November 23, 2022 D. Keane cennedy Henderson Assistant Chief of Police Mayor BH, “Ski 100 10" Street Columbus, Georgia 31901 Dear Mayor Henderson, Jensen Hughes has recently shared its Operational Assessment of the Columbus, GA Police Department. On behalf of the Police Department, I'd like to convey our appreciation for the ‘support and expense that has been undertaken to conduct this study. Columbus is unique in its private and public partnerships. The businesses of Columbus who made this investment have provided a benefit not only for our police department, but also our community at large. We share a goal to keep Columbus safe. It is my plan to use this as a toolkit and review all opportunities to serve our citizens in a more efficient and strategic manner. ‘As with any organization, the change in leadership for the CPD has come with @ few growing pains. Our newly appointed Command Staff has worked hard during this transition, and | will continue to rely on their involvement and experience to move our police force forward. The leadership of this department has spent decades in law enforcement in this community, and | know they remain committed to supporting its citizens and to countering criminal activity. All of our officers are diligent and committed to their role as first responders. There are, however, a few who have had difficulty in accepting both the new leadership and the reorganization efforts that were approved unanimously by the Columbus Council ‘There are a few areas of this assessment that present some concerns. For example, the report 5 heavily upon an external survey from the Fraternal Order of Police. This survey hes not been verified in its processes or documentation, and its neutrality is certainly in question. | do not believe the results are necessarily accurate or reflective of the Department as a whole. Although interviews were referenced, the number of actual CPD officers interviewed was not shown, Similarly, it is not known whether the Police Benevolent Association was consulted. While it is, disappointing that this survey was accepted so readily, more troubling is the obvious motive of some involved who have a personal interest in litigation they have filed against the City and its leadership. This situation does not show an independent assessment and should not be the foundation of a consultant's recommendations. In my experience, aur officers are committed to the Department's leadership and diligently play their respective roles in our law enforcement. | pledge to do all | can, with the assistance of my Command Staff, to move forward in a unified manner despite these obstacles. . Pion 665.30 Fa N66! eeveohimbugsgm/ ice see eminagnacon/cumtunpapalee Cpe tes nyepip hae encom dead [An Equal Opportunity Organization