The Columbia Police Department Interview Committee conducted interviews with eleven (11) candidates on April 17 and April 23, 2026. One (1) candidate did not appear for their scheduled interview.

Following the interview process, the Columbia Police Department has selected two (2) candidates to advance to the next stages of the hiring process, which includes Phase 1 and Phase 2 testing.

Phase 1 Testing Includes:

• Physical Fitness Agility Test
• Suitability Screening Test

Phase 2 Testing Includes:

• Polygraph Examination
• Drug Screening
• Medical Exam

The Columbia Police Department remains committed to a thorough and professional hiring process to ensure the selection of qualified individuals who will serve the community with integrity and dedication.

The Columbia Police Department was awarded approximately $140,000 through the Community Oriented Policing Services (C.O.P.S.) Grant from the United States Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. The recruit selected for the Columbia Police Officer position will be required to sign a three-year contract agreement with the City of Columbia.

For more information on how Kentucky law enforcement agencies hire and certify law enforcement officers, please visit the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training and the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council websites.