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Organizational Structure

The Columbus Division of Police utilizes a rank structure to oversee each organizational component. The Columbus Division of Police consists of the Office of the Chief of Police and two branches each comprised of three subdivisions. An assistant chief commands each branch and reports directly to the Chief of Police. A deputy chief commands each subdivision and reports to the assistant chief who oversees his or her subdivision. The next smaller components of the organization are bureaus and patrol zones, which are supervised by commanders or civilian managers designated by the Chief of Police who report to a deputy chief. A bureau is divided into sections and a zone is divided into shifts. Sections and shifts are supervised by lieutenants or civilian supervisors who report to a commander or civilian manager. The next smaller organizational components are units, precincts, and task forces, which are headed by sergeants or civilian supervisors who report to a lieutenant or a higher ranking civilian supervisor. Designated personnel outside of the Division's standard organizational components report directly to supervisors more than one rank higher. The Internal Affairs Bureau Commander has the authority to report directly to the Chief of Police.

Chief Elaine Bryant

Chief Elaine Bryant
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant made history as CPD's first chief from outside the division, and its first African American female Chief. Mayor Andrew J. Ginther announced Chief Bryant's selection on June 2nd, 2021, after a nationwide search.

Chief Bryant came to Columbus after more than two decades with the Detroit Police Department. She started her career in law enforcement in August of 2000. In 2006, Chief Bryant was promoted to the rank of sergeant. During her tenure as sergeant, her assignments included Domestic Violence, Office of the Chief Investigator and Equal Employment Opportunity Coordinator office.

Learn more about Chief Elaine Bryant(PDF, 242KB)

1st Assistant Chief Lashanna Potts