MU students respond to increased police presence in downtown Columbia
Euphenie Andre
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The University of Missouri and the City of Columbia are stepping up efforts to keep students and community members safe following a violent weekend where five people were shot.
Both MU and the Columbia Police Department said they’re working together to increase patrols in, and around downtown in response to growing safety concerns.
An ABC 17 News reporter observed CPD officers making rounds downtown and MU police officers patrolling near campus on Saturday night.
For many students, weekends downtown are typically a time to relax and connect with friends.
“It’s a very great nightlife, though. There’s a lot of things to do a lot of like kind of walking around, meeting with a bunch of different friend groups, that sort of thing,” MU student Connor Stuart said.
However, last week’s shooting— that left two men injured has made some students think twice before heading out.
“There is normally a lot of cops out, so I would feel safe. But with all the shootings happening, I’m kind of like reluctant to go out. Like, we have started to Uber more just because of it, instead of walking around,” MU student Madison Holmes said.
Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe told ABC 17 News previously that she met with the Columbia Police Department and the University of Missouri to discuss long-term safety strategies.
One of the steps being taken is increasing the number of patrols downtown.
“I live right here on Broadway, and so it’s definitely a little scary kind of (shootings) being right outside my door,” Stuart said. “But, I do feel a lot more comfortable with a lot more cops kind of starting the patrol especially when it gets dark out in the night.”
But not everything aimed at safety is bringing peace of mind. Some students said MU’s alert system sent to students warning of potential crimes can sometimes create more panic, than clarity.
MU sent out alerts over the weekend of the shootings and the initial one had an error and did not have the location. University of Missouri President Mun Choi said during a press conference earlier this week that the university is re-evaluating how it sends out campus alerts.