Columbus Police Chief Stoney Mathis says building relationships with residents remains one of the department’s most important crime-fighting strategies.

Speaking with CNAW2News.com, Mathis said trust between officers and residents has continued growing during his tenure.

“I’ve fallen in love with the citizens of Columbus,” he said.

According to Mathis, tips from residents, Ring cameras, surveillance systems and witness cooperation have helped investigators solve numerous crimes.

He believes continued partnerships will help achieve his goal of making Columbus one of Georgia’s safest cities.

“We’re building that trust,” he said.

Mathis also addressed juvenile crime, particularly vehicle break-ins.

He encouraged parents to know where their children are during overnight hours and believes stronger consequences are needed for repeat juvenile offenders.

“It’s for their safety,” he said.

Mathis also praised the department’s community policing team, highlighting outreach efforts like Fishing with a Cop while expressing interest in expanding homelessness outreach programs through nonprofit partnerships.

“If all of us work together,” Mathis said, “we can really make Columbus the safest city in the country.”