The Columbia Police Department was officially established by a Mayor/Alderman form of government on June 13, 1883. This police department was made up of a Town Marshal and two officers. The first Town Marshal was R. H. Guest. In 1899, John Latta was appointed Town marshal or Chief of Police. Latta also had the distinction of appointment as the City of Columbia's first Fire Chief on May 29, 1901. The Columbia Police Department was made up of a six member team by April 4, 1901. Two of the members of the police department were paid by the railroad, since Depot Street was the roughest part of the City of Columbia during this period. The first policy enacted for the Police Department is found in the minutes of the Mayor and Alderman Meeting on October 13,
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