1 Justice Square
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 545-3510
[email protected]
Deputy Chief Melron Kelly
1 Justice Square
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 545-3509
[email protected]
Deputy Chief Kelly has served with the Columbia Police Department since 1990. Before taking the law enforcement oath of office, he was a police cadet when he was 13-years-old with aspirations of becoming a police officer. This familiarity and commitment to serving the community through law enforcement has developed into leadership positions in the Narcotics Division, as an Investigator, before being promoted to Sergeant; a Lieutenant overseeing the Gang/Narcotics Unit; a regional commander as Captain in the North Region. Deputy Chief Kelly is graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s (PERF) 74th Session’s Senior Management Institute for Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) National Academy’s 270th Session, the University of Louisville’s Southern Police Institute (SPI) 124th Session, Executive Police Leadership Program, and the 62nd Session of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Commanders Academy. Deputy Chief Kelly earned a Criminal Justice Degree from South Carolina State University and a Master’s Degree in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville. Deputy Chief Kelly serves as a member of various community and social organizations including as President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) Organization, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Sowing Seeds, Incorporated, Harmony Incorporated, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.
Major Randy Martin
1 Justice Square
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 545-3507
[email protected]
As Commander of the Special Operations Bureau, Major Martin leads several specialized units – each with a unique focus on the quality of life for the citizens of Columbia. These specialized units include: Emergency Services, Real Time Crime Center, Dignitary Protection, Community Safety, Canine, and Special Events. With a strong background in emergency services and expertise in Special Events coordination, Traffic Control, and Operations Planning, Major Martin is also certified in Homeland Security Level III operations and holds an Advanced Supervisory certificate from Midlands Technical College. Through his quiet thirst for knowledge, Major Martin has taken countless courses in Emergency Management and Civil Rights. These courses ensure he not only remains abreast of changing processes, they demonstrate his commitment to his oath to protect and serve his community with honesty and integrity. Recently, Major Martin received the highly acclaimed FBI- LEEDA Trilogy Award and deservedly, the department’s Meritorious Service Award as a testament to his 42 years of law enforcement service.
Special Operations Bureau
Community Safety Officers
Special Events
Dignitary Protection
Real-Time Crime Center
Major Chris White
Community Services Bureau
1 Justice Square
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 545-3542
[email protected]
Major White has served with the Columbia Police Department (CPD) since 1995. White is a recipient of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) LEEDA Trilogy Award and has attended the FBI National Academy’s 246th Session and the Police Executive Research Forum’s (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) 78the Session. Major White has extensive training and knowledge in Violent Crime Gang Task Force and Organized Crime & Narcotics awareness and intelligence-led policing. White earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Benedict College and a Master’s Degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University.
Assigned Units
Traffic Safety Unit
School Crossing Guards
K-9 Unit
School Resource Officers (SRO)
Crime Prevention
A.C.E. (Assisting Columbia’s Elderly)
Court Services Unit
Telephone Response Unit (TRU)
Transport Drivers
Police Cadets
Major Paul “P.J.” Blendowski
Patrol Bureau
#1 Justice Square | Columbia Police Headquarters
Major Blendowski has served with the Columbia Police Department (CPD) since 2002. Blendowski received the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) LEEDA Trilogy Award, attended the FBI’s National Academy’s 283rd Session, attended the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Command College, attended the Senior Management Institute for Policing at Boston University, and the U.S. Secret Service Command Staff Seminar in Washington, D.C. Blendowski has extensive training as a K-9 handler and unit supervisor/leader. He also has extensive knowledge of community policing and law enforcement leadership, including supervisory, command, and executive roles. Blendowski earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree from the University of South Carolina.
Assigned Units
- North Region Patrol
- Southeast Region Patrol
- Metro Region Patrol
- West Region Patrol
- Pathways Units
Captain Cynthia Waggoner
Criminal Investigations Bureau
#1 Justice Square
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 545-3583
[email protected]
Captain Cynthia Waggoner has served with the Columbia Police Department (CPD) since 2005. She is a recent graduate from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) National Academy (NA). In addition, Captain Waggoner is a recipient of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) LEEDA Trilogy Award. She also has extensive training as a K-9 handler and trainer. Captain Waggoner graduated from the Custom Canine Unlimited Trainer’s Course in Gainesville, Georgia and dedicated more than half of her career to CPD’s canine team.
Captain Waggoner was the recipient of the CPD’S 2006 Rookie of the Year and has been awarded the Medal of Valor. She graduated with her a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina. Captain Waggoner is a member of the National Association of Women in Law Enforcement Executives. Captain Waggoner was the commander of the Metro Region’s Patrol Bureau for several years and was recently appointed Captain of the Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB).
ASSIGNED UNITS
Violent Crimes Against Persons (VCAP) Unit
Special Victims Unit (SVU)
Missing Persons Unit
Victim Services Unit /Victim Advocates
Police Chaplains Unit
Crime Scene Investigations (CSI)
Crime Gun Intelligence Unit (CGIU)
Investigative Support Unit
Polygraph Unit
Cold Case Unit
Property Crimes Unit (PCU)
Organized Crime & Narcotics Unit
Task Force Officers
Captain John “J.P.” Williams
Staff Development | Training Unit
1 Justice Square
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 545-3391
[email protected]
Captain Williams has served with the Columbia Police Department since 1996. Williams is a recipient of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) LEEDA Trilogy Award and attended the agency’s Carolina Command College. Williams is currently the CPD’s SWAT Commander and has extensive knowledge in tactical training, executive dignitary protection, high-risk warrant service, conflict resolution, and de-escalation training. Williams is also an armorer and firearms instructor. He attended Columbia College and the University of South Carolina.
ASSIGNED UNITS
Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Commander
Records Unit
Crime Analysis
Human Resources/Personnel Unit
Grants Unit
Captain Jack Sheard
Metro Region
1800 Main Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 545-3970
[email protected]
Captain Jack Sheard began his career with the Columbia Police Department in 1997, initially serving as a patrol officer in the North Region. In 2001, he joined the department’s SWAT Team, where he served as a Sniper/Observer for nine years. Two years later, in 2003, he was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division, working in the Organized Crime/Narcotics Unit.
In 2006, he was promoted to Investigator and served as a Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as part of the Atlanta-Carolinas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). In 2015, he transitioned to the Midlands Gang Task Force (MGTF) as an Acting-Sergeant and was officially promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2016.
Sheard was promoted to Lieutenant in 2019, assuming the role of Assistant Commander of the MGTF. In that capacity, he supervised thirteen partner agencies from federal, state, and local jurisdictions and also oversaw the Fugitive Unit and the Crime Gun Intelligence Unit. In 2021, he was appointed commander of the Office of Professional Standards/Internal Affairs, located within the Office of the Chief. In April 2023, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and assigned to lead the Criminal Investigations Bureau. In May 2025, he assumed his current role as the Metro Region Commander within the Operations Bureau.
Sheard holds an Associate of Arts degree from Tallahassee Community College (1994) and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from Florida State University (1996). He is a recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award and has completed multiple advanced law enforcement leadership programs, including the South Carolina Narcotics Commanders School, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Commanders School (hosted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and SCLEOA), and the Command College hosted by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
He also served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and was deployed during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In addition to his law enforcement service, he contributed to major emergency response efforts, including deployment to Mississippi in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina and assistance during South Carolina’s historic flooding in October 2015.
Captain Jeffrey Brink
Southeast Region
South Regional Office
2132 Devine Street
Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 737-5882
East Regional Office
446 Spears Creek Church Road
Columbia, SC 29045
(803) 737-5882
[email protected]
Captain Jeffrey Brink was born and raised in Kalamazoo, MI. He attended Western Michigan University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Capt. Brink began his career with CPD in 2008. After beginning in Patrol – South Region, Cap. Brink worked on the Community Response Team and PACE teams that specialized in community policing. In 2012, he was promoted to Corporal and worked in the Patrol Bureau in the South, West, and North Regions. While in North Region, he was promoted to Sergeant in 2015. In October of 2019, Brink was transferred to the Criminal Investigations Bureau and assigned to the newly formed Crime Gun Intelligence Unit. In December of 2020, Cap. Brink was promoted to Lieutenant and reassigned as the Executive Officer of North Region. In May of 2024, Capt. Brink was promoted to the rank of Captain and was assigned as the Southeast Region Commander. Cap. Brink has several different roles at CPD, to include a training instructor, Mobile Field Force Commander and a Serve and Connect Ambassador. Cap. Brink has received multiple awards and commendations during his 17 years of service. His most recent distinguished achievement is graduating from the 2025 University of Chicago Police Leadership Academy.
Captain Brian Bell
West Region
690 Club Road
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 749-5830
[email protected]
Captain Bell joined the Columbia Police Department in February 2001 after serving the United States Marine Corps for 11 years. During his time with the Columbia Police Department, Captain Bell has held various roles and positions including Patrol Officer, SWAT Officer, SWAT Team Leader, Corporal, Sergeant, Executive Officer, Watch Commander, Acting Captain, Mobile Field Force Commander and his present duties as Commanding Officer of the West Region.
Captain Bell has served as a supervisor in North, South, West and East Regions. Captain Bell was promoted to Lieutenant in 2016 and was transferred to the East Region to act as an Executive Officer. Captain Bell was then assigned to the Training Unit to act as the Executive Officer. During his time as a Lieutenant, he served as back up Watch Commander, Watch Commander and Executive Officer of the Mobile Field Force. In May 2020 Captain Bell was promoted to Commander of the Mobile Field Force during the civil unrest in the City of Columbia. Captain Bell was promoted to his current rank in December 2020 and was assigned as the Commanding Officer of the Metro Region. In September 2020 Captain Bell was transferred to the West Region and assigned as the West Region Commander.
Captain Darring Hicks
North Region
3905 Ensor Avenue
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 401-8811
[email protected]
Captain Hicks has served with the Columbia Police Department (CPD) since 1991. Hicks is the recipient of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) LEEDA Trilogy Award and has attended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Supervisor, Command, and Executive Leadership Colleges. He has also attended the Charleston, S.C. Police Department’s Command College. Hicks has extensive training in and knowledge of crisis negotiations, special operations, community policing, school resource responsibilities as a Supervisor, traffic safety, special event planning and safety, and K-9 handler and training. Hicks earned a Criminal Justice degree from Livingston College and has served in the United States Army National Guard.
Captain Michael Blair
Community Services Bureau
1745 Busby Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 545-3986
[email protected]
Captain Blair has served with the Columbia Police Department (CPD) since 1989. Before taking the law enforcement oath of office, he was a police cadet as a young adult with aspirations of becoming a police officer. Blair is the recipient of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) LEEDA Trilogy Award and has attended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Executive Command College. Blair has extensive training in Special Weapons & Tactics (SWAT), National Crime Information Center (NCIC) technology, Blair earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Benedict College and graduated with honors – Magna Cum Laude).
Captain James Modzelewski
Office of Professional Standards
1 Justice Square
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 545-3655
[email protected]
Captain James Modzelewski graduated from The Citadel in the Class of 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. That same year, he completed training at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. In 1991, he graduated from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center’s Criminal Investigator Training Program and the ATF Academy.
Modzeleski law enforcement career began in 1989 with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, where he served as a State Trooper until 1991. He then joined the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), serving as a Special Agent from 1991 until his retirement in 2018 at the rank of Deputy Assistant Director.
From 2018 to 2025, he continued his public safety service with the Columbia, South Carolina Police Department, holding roles as CeaseFire Coordinator, Inspector, and ultimately Captain. During his tenure at CPD, he successfully established the department’s CeaseFire program and led the creation and oversight of the Crime Gun Intelligence Unit. For the past two years, he headed the Office of Professional Standards. He was also instrumental in securing multiple federal grants for the department through his leadership and grant-writing efforts.
Over the course of his 36-year law enforcement career, he received numerous performance awards and recognitions. In 2014, he was appointed to the Federal Senior Executive Service (SES), the U.S. Government’s civil service equivalent to a General or Flag Officer in the Armed Forces—a distinction achieved by less than 1% of the federal workforce.
Captain Robert Calby
Administrative Services Bureau
1 Justice Square
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 413-2594
[email protected]
Captain Calby has served with the Columbia Police Department (CPD) since 2006. He received the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) LEEDA Trilogy Award, has attended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Supervisor, Command, Executive Leadership Institutes, and has attended the FBI’s National Academy’s 280th Session. Calby has extensive training in and knowledge of community-oriented policing, first-line, and diversity-centered leadership, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) as a Team Leader, firearms safety, officer safety and survival, conflict resolution, and law enforcement technology programs and logistics. Calby graduated with honors from Columbia College (Summa Cum Laude) and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice.
David Hatcher
Director of Code Enforcement
920-A Hemlock Drive
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 545-3444
[email protected]
David Hatcher has served the City of Columbia since 2003 when he began his career as a Zoning Inspector, working his way up to his current role of Director of Code Enforcement while serving in various other roles in the City. In 2014, Mr. Hatcher and his team of Code Enforcement Officers were merged into the Columbia Police Department.
The idea behind the merger is based on the Broken Windows Theory, suggesting that blight leads to crime, if you reduce blight, you can reduce crime. Mr. Hatcher and his team have been working ever since as a force multiplier for the Columbia Police Department to support and enhance the quality of life by fighting blight, enforcing health and safety standards to protect our citizens, which leads to safe communities and contributes to community pride and enjoyment.
As leader of the Code Enforcement Division, Mr. Hatcher has revamped the residential demolition program, demolishing several hundred substandard and abandoned buildings that were an attractive nuisance for criminal activity and blight, received and managed over 1.5 million dollars in grants to further the Code Enforcement mission, helped write and implement several important ordinances to include the City’s long term and short term rental regulations, vacant building ordinance, and various other nuisance ordinances. In 2016, he received a Chief’s Award for his work and effort on the City’s Rental Ordinances.
Mr. Hatcher earned a Bachelor’s of Urban Planning Degree from the University of Cincinnati, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Webster University, and several other advanced training and certifications from the International Code Council (ICC).