Columbus Expands Non-Fatal Shooting Team to the West Side
Published on August 31, 2026
Innovative Columbus Division of Police program expands to Zone 3 following strong results in initial pilot
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine R. Bryant today announced the expansion of the CPD’s Non-Fatal Shooting Team to Zone 3, bringing the innovative and successful investigative model to Columbus’ West Side. The expansion follows the success of the program in Zone 6, where CPD has dedicated the same level of investigative expertise, resources and urgency used in homicide cases to non-fatal shootings. Zone 3 was selected based on analysis of crime data.
“The difference between a fatal and non-fatal shooting can be a matter of inches or seconds, and we should bring the same determination to finding the person responsible in either case,” said Mayor Ginther. “This approach is working. It is solving shootings, holding violent offenders accountable and helping us intervene before another act of violence occurs. Now, we are putting those same resources to work on the West Side.”
Chief Bryant launched the Non-Fatal Shooting Team pilot in March 2024 in Zone 6, covering the South Linden and Milo-Grogan neighborhoods. The concept builds on CPD’s successful team-based approach to homicide investigations.
Under the previous model, a non-fatal shooting would generally be assigned to two Assault Squad detectives. The Non-Fatal Shooting Team instead brings detectives and patrol officers together for an immediate, coordinated response. Team members simultaneously work different aspects of the investigation, including the crime scene, victim and witness interviews, evidence collection and search warrants.
The approach recognizes that time is critical following a shooting and allows investigators to gather evidence and information while it is fresh.
The results have been significant. In 2025, the Zone 6 team had a solve rate of 94%, compared with a citywide non-fatal shooting solve rate of 53%. Investigations by the team have also resulted in more than 500 charges connected to other crimes, including attempted murder, aggravated robbery, kidnapping, aggravated burglary and weapons under disability. Investigators have also been able to identify connections between shootings and repeat violent offenders, helping police remove both those responsible for violence and firearms used in crimes from the community.
“We know that a relatively small number of individuals are responsible for a disproportionate amount of gun violence,” said Chief Bryant. “When we thoroughly investigate a non-fatal shooting and identify those responsible, we are not only seeking justice for that victim. We have an opportunity to disrupt a cycle of violence and potentially prevent the next shooting.”
The program is part of Columbus’ broader comprehensive neighborhood safety strategy, which combines prevention, intervention and enforcement to reduce violence and strengthen neighborhoods.
The new team will serve the city’s West Side while the original Non-Fatal Shooting Team continues its work in Zone 6, as the program emphasizes consistent engagement between investigators and the neighborhoods they serve. By assigning teams to specific areas, detectives develop familiarity with residents and community members, strengthening relationships that can help generate information and solve cases.
“This is what innovation in public safety should look like,” said Mayor Ginther. “We identify what works, we measure the results and we put those resources where the data tells us they can make the greatest difference. Every shooting we solve is an opportunity to deliver justice, prevent retaliation and potentially save a life.”