Haywood selected to succeed retiring PD Chief Alsup in Columbia

After 29 years of service, Columbia Police Chief Jeremy Alsup announced his intention to retire.  

Alsup began his public service career in 1997 and has spent the last six years as the chief of police. 

Assistant Chief Jeremy Haywood was named the new chief of police for Columbia. With a 27-year career in law enforcement, Haywood is a second-generation law enforcement officer.  

Alsup offered praise for his successor.  

“Chief Haywood is an exceptional leader whose dedication to this community is unwavering,” Alsup said. “His experience, steady leadership style, and genuine concern for the well-being of both our officers and residents make him the right person to guide the department into its next chapter.” 

Haywood’s father, Bobby Joe Haywood, served with the Columbia Police Department from 1983 until his retirement in 2009. Haywood was frequent visitor to the department alongside his father, becoming an explorer at the age of 15 in 1992. Haywood began his career with CPD In 1998 and has since served as sergeant, criminal investigations lieutenant, and captain of patrol in addition to assistant chief.  

He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Southwestern University and a master’s in criminal justice from Bethel University.  

Chief Haywood holds a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Southwestern University (2009) and a Master’s in Criminal Justice