Columbia Police Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook has promoted two police officers to the rank of Major.
Major Chris White with Chief Holbrook and Deputy Chief Kelly
Their new roles take effect tomorrow, September 18, 2021.
The new Majors are: Chris White, a 26-year veteran of the Columbia Police Department.
White began his career at CPD in 1995. At that time, his primary duties involved community policing and crime prevention. During his lengthy career and ranks, he was assigned to:
- Organized Crime and Narcotics Unit (OCN),
- Patrol Bureau
- Field Training Unit
- CPD Violent Crime Gang Task Force & FBI-led Gang Task Force
- Burglary and Property Crimes Unit
- Administrative Services Division
- Intelligence-led Policing Unit
- North Region Commander
- Office of the Chief – special projects
- Watch Commander Coordinator
In August 2021, Chris graduated from the Police Executive Research Forum’s (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) – Session 78 in Orlando, Florida.
During the three-week program focused, White discussed the most challenging issues facing law enforcement today: civil rights, procedural justice, officer wellness and mental health, use-of-force and de-escalation.
Other accomplishments include: Graduating from Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy (FBINAA) Session 246 in Quantico, Virginia.
White holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Benedict College and a Master’s Degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University.
He is a member if the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy Associates – South Carolina Chapter and Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association, and a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.
Major Chris Roberts with Chief Holbrook and Deputy Chief Kelly
Christopher “Chris” Roberts is a 24-year veteran of the Columbia Police Department.
His primary duties involved community policing. During his lengthy career and ranks, he was assigned to:
- North Region Patrol
- South Region Patrol
- East Region Patrol
- West Region Patrol
- South Region’s Community Response Team
- K-9 Unit (handler)
- SWAT Team Operator/Supervisor
- Lieutenant – Metro Region
- South Region Commander
- Metro Region Commander
- Alcohol Enforcement Team Captain
Roberts graduated from the University of Louisville, Southern Police Institute Administrative Officer’s course. Chris was a member of the 143rd Session, which was comprised of 48 officers of various ranks, to include chiefs and from 18 different states. The Southern Police Institute (SPI) was founded in 1951. The 12-week course earns graduates 12 semester hours of credit in the University of Louisville College of Arts and Science.
Chris is also a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)- LEEDA Trilogy Award recipient, having completed courses in supervision, command and executive leadership.
Chris holds an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Midlands Technical College, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Columbia College.