COLUMBIA, Miss. (WDAM) - Chief Adrian Fortenberry is looking back on his first year as head of the Columbia Police Department.

Fortenberry was sworn in on Sept. 10, 2024, following a staff shakeup in the police department that involved the resignation of former chief Michael Kelly and the departure of several other officers.

Fortenberry said he’s improved relations with the community and other law enforcement agencies.

“The main thing is, we have gained the trust of this community back and that’s a big plus because without them, I would not be here,” Fortenberry said.

He’s also added new patrol officers, a K9 team and several new police vehicles.

Fortenberry said he also wants to give his current officers pay raises and wants to add several new patrol officers to the Columbia Police D

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