Columbus Police Department Honored with FBI Award

State Representative Teddy Reese recognizes department's commitment to community policing.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:08pm

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An extreme close-up of a shiny police badge reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash, conveying the serious, investigative nature of the department's recognition.A prestigious award recognizes the Columbus Police Department's commitment to community-oriented policing and public safety.Columbus Today

The Columbus Police Department has been named the Georgia Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates' Phyllis Goodwin Agency of the Year, an award given to law enforcement agencies that demonstrate strong leadership, progress, and a commitment to professional excellence. State Representative Teddy Reese presented the department with a House Resolution commending their work.

Why it matters

This award highlights the Columbus Police Department's focus on building relationships with the community and extending support, rather than just enforcement. It recognizes their efforts to improve public safety through increased staffing, technology, collaboration, and engagement.

The details

The award was presented to the Columbus Police Department's Command Staff by State Representative Teddy Reese, who sponsored the House Resolution 12-50 to formally commend the department. Chief Mathis credited the department's improvements and lower crime rates to increased staffing, the Real-Time Crime Center, collaboration with the sheriff's office, and enhanced community engagement.

  • The Columbus Police Department received the award on April 7, 2026.

The players

Teddy Reese

A state representative who helped recognize the Columbus Police Department's work and presented them with a House Resolution.

Columbus Police Department

The law enforcement agency in Columbus, Georgia that was named the Georgia Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates' Phyllis Goodwin Agency of the Year.

Chief Mathis

The police chief of the Columbus Police Department who credited improvements and lower crime rates to increased staffing, technology, collaboration, and community engagement.

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What they’re saying

“Law enforcement is not just about locking people up. It's about building relationships. It's about extending that bridge of support child community and when we're doing that well we deserve to be acknowledged for it.”

— Teddy Reese, State Representative

The takeaway

This award recognizes the Columbus Police Department's shift towards a community-oriented policing model, focusing on relationship-building, technology, and collaboration to improve public safety. It serves as an example of how law enforcement can be acknowledged for going beyond traditional enforcement to truly serve and support the local community.