Organizational Structure

Division of Police

Organizational Structure The Columbus Division of Police is organized into six subdivisions. The subdivisions include the Public Accountability, Patrol North, Patrol South, Special Operations, Criminal Investigations, and Support Services. Each subdivision is commanded by a Deputy Chief. (Listed below.) The nature of each task to be performed determines which subdivision has responsibility and authority.

The individual subdivisions are further divided into bureaus or zones, each of which fulfills a more specific mission. Each zone or bureau is supervised by a police commander.

The zones or bureaus are subdivided into sections or watches and are commanded by a police lieutenant or civilian employee of equivalent position. The sections and watches are broken down into precincts, units, squads, or teams. Each is commanded by a police sergeant or civilian.

The Division of Police operates in a semi-military manner. Authority descends from superior to subordinate and responsibility ascends from subordinate to superior.

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