The Columbus Police Department has been named the recipient of the Georgia Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates’ Phyllis Goodwin Agency of the Year Award. The award was presented during the organization’s annual ceremony in Savannah, GA
The award recognizes a law enforcement agency that demonstrates strong leadership, progress, and commitment to professional excellence. CPD was selected for its recent work in reducing crime, increased staffing, leadership development, and modernization.
Like many agencies across the country, CPD faced its share of challenges in recent years. What followed was a deliberate and strategic reset that focused on accountability, community policing, and taking care of the men and women who do the work.
In less than two years, the department reached full staffing, improved officer pay, boosted morale, and made major investments in technology. Those efforts include the implementation of Columbus’ first Real Time Crime Center, expanded camera and license plate reader programs, upgraded body-worn and in-car cameras, drone capabilities, and
modernized records and dispatch systems.
The results have been measurable; Part I crime has dropped more than 30% over the past two years, with violent crime down 29% in the most recent year. Case clearance rates now exceed national averages, and CPD’s technology model has drawn interest from agencies across Georgia and beyond.
“This award belongs to our officers, professional staff, and their families,” Chief Stoney Mathis said. “They showed up, stayed focused, and kept doing the job the right way, even when it wasn’t easy.”
The Georgia Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates is made up of law enforcement leaders who have completed the FBI National Academy, one of the most respected executive training programs in policing. The Phyllis Goodwin Agency of the Year Award is one of the chapter’s highest honors. The recognition reflects CPD’s renewed
focus on community policing, professionalism, accountability, and results that the community can see and feel.
