CITY COUNCIL: Columbus public safety officials who live in Alabama can now take their work vehicles home
A Tuesday City Council meeting has granted Columbus officers who live in Alabama what they’ve been wanting for years, and that is to take their patrol vehicles home.
During the city council meeting, with law enforcement officials from the police department sitting in the chamber, the Risk Management and Compliance Officer, Lauren Vance, gave a presentation to the city council, which includes Mayor Skip Henderson, City Manager Isaiah Hugley, and City Attorney Clifton Fay. The presentation involved public safety members taking home vehicles to Alabama.
Vance’s presentation showed the risks and benefits of going through with this, as well as 4 different options for the city council. To view the presentation, click here.
After the presentation, city council officials gave their opinions about the presentation and the motion toward this. Police Chief Stoney Mathis was also given the podium and spoke to the city council about how this will help with recruiting more officers.
After minutes of discussion, all of the city council approved Option 2 of the presentation, which was to amend the policy, while staying self-funded.
District 7 councilwoman Joanne Cogle spoke with CNAW2NEWS.com. She said, “After careful consideration and discussion, we have authorized those public safety officers who live in Alabama the ability to take their vehicles home. This not only increases value for our officers, it will continue to contribute to our retention efforts.”
This will also allow Public Safety employees to take their vehicles to Alabama, with a potential risk of liability. This means starting now city council will amend/create their policy, make officers sign a waiver, and soon they can take their work vehicles home.
Related stories
SafetyOpelika Fire Department equips all 90 firefighters with new communication-enhanced masks
SafetyHunter rescued from tree after tree stand malfunction in Tuskegee National Forest
Crime & SafetyPhenix City Police Department shares Halloween safety tips, recommends trick-or-treating hours
LocalOpelika Chamber honors local first responders at 2026 Valor Public Safety Awards
LocalColumbus Crime Prevention Office highlights impact of 44 prevention programs funded by City Council