Columbia Police say plans for a new downtown patrol unit are on hold.
Chief Jill Schlude told the City Council Monday that staffing shortages have delayed the launch originally set for May.
She said recent retirements and officers on military or injury leave mean the department can’t fully support the new unit.
Instead, police will boost their presence downtown during late-night bar hours.
Schlude says more officers will be assigned there temporarily and hopes to revisit the idea later this year once new hires complete training.