William H. “Skip” Holbrook was appointed the role of Chief of the Columbia Police Department on April 11, 2014. Chief Holbrook has over three decades of law enforcement experience, including a distinguished 18-year tenure as a police chief, 12 of those years spent at the Columbia Police Department. Chief Holbrook is grounded in the principles of community engagement and evidence-based policing.
Under Chief Holbrook’s visionary leadership, the Columbia Police Department has undergone transformative organizational and operational reforms, earning commendation from the U.S. Department of Justice for its commitment to 21st Century policing strategies. His commitment and dedication have positioned the department to receive two prestigious S.C. Law Enforcement Officers Association (SCLEOA) Dominion Awards of Excellence and achieve national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). In 2024, the Columbia Police Department was honored with the Santee Cooper Excellence in Law Enforcement Award, further solidifying its reputation for outstanding service and professionalism.
Chief Holbrook’s impact extends far beyond departmental accomplishments. Recognized as the 2023 South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association (SCLEOA) Past President, he epitomizes community service, receiving the 2023 NAACP – Columbia Branch Community Service Award, the 2022 Columbia Chamber of Commerce Public Servant of the Year Award, and the Greater Columbia Community Relations Council’s Milton Kimpson Service Award. Among his accolades, he was appointed by the governor as a member of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Training Council in 2023. His commitment to this profession fosters a sense of unity and shared responsibility in efforts to improve the safety and quality of life for our citizens. He was further recognized with the 2025 Urban League’s President’s Award, honoring his ongoing dedication to equity, justice, and community progress.
As a key advocate for police reform and racial justice, Chief Holbrook was appointed to the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) National Police Reform and Racial Justice Working Group in 2020. His influence in law enforcement was further recognized in 2018 when he received the Strom Thurmond Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement.
Chief Holbrook’s journey in law enforcement commenced in 1987 with the Charlotte Police Department, leading to a distinguished career with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Before joining the Columbia Police Department, he served as the Chief of Police for the Huntington Police Department, demonstrating his commitment to serving diverse communities.
Educationally, Chief Holbrook holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Marshall University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Pfeiffer University. He is an alumnus of several prestigious programs, including the FBI National Academy, the Police Executive Research Forum’s (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police, the FBI’s National Executive Institute, the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service’s Senior Executive Institute, and the Naval Postgraduate School’s Homeland Security Executive Leaders Program.
Active on various executive boards, Chief Holbrook continues to contribute to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association (SCLEOA), United States Attorney’s Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (LECC), Atlanta-Carolinas HIDTA, Turn 90, and The Cooperative Ministries. In 2025, he joined the Board of Directors of the Alston Wilkes Society, reinforcing his dedication to community service and reentry initiatives. He maintains membership in prominent organizations such as the South Carolina Police Chiefs’ Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, FBI National Academy Associates, National Executive Institute Association, Columbia Chapter of NAACP, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). He also serves as 2nd Vice President of the South Carolina Police Chiefs’ Association Executive Board, further demonstrating his leadership and commitment to the profession. Chief Holbrook’s commitment to addressing societal challenges is further evident in his role as a member of the SC Governor’s Opioid Emergency Response Team.
Chief Holbrook’s unwavering dedication to fostering collaboration, both within the department and with the broader community, underscores his belief that “Together We are Columbia.” Through his exemplary leadership, Chief Holbrook not only shapes the future of law enforcement but also strengthens the fabric of the Columbia community, leaving an enduring legacy of service, unity, and progress.
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