Eagle Eye News On Demand

An increased emphasis on public safety and a renewed focus on the pension plan are top priorities for the Columbia Police Officers Association (CPOA). CPOA president Matt Nichols joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable” program. Mr. Nichols describes CPOA as the voice for the men and women who serve the Columbia Police Department, who decide to join CPOA. The organization has about 145 members, and President Nichols says they have about 99 percent of membership of those who are sergeants and below. Mr. Nichols tells Fred Parry that turnover at the Columbia Police Department has been about 71 percent since 2012, since changes were made to pension plans. He tells listeners that the restoration of the pension plan will help with CPD retention. Mr. Nichols also wants to see more funding for police and for public safety, saying more and more city dollars are being spent on social programs. Matt Nichols was born and raised in Columbia and was a “Boone baby”,