We want to ensure The Loop is welcoming and safe for businesses, customers, students, and all our visitors. When it comes to unacceptable behavior, it's important to understand what is legal and what is illegal so we can bring the most relevant solutions to the table.
We always encourage people to contact the Columbia Police Department if there is an issue. Even if you don't think a problem merits a police visit, your call will help them track issues over time and help them identify areas that need more attention.Â
We've also provided contact information for several community resources because we understand that not every situation requires the police.Â
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Panhandling is prohibited on private property, after sunset, around entrances to buildings, or when the person solicited is in a car. It is also illegal to touch, block, follow, shout, intimidate, threaten, or repeatedly solicit a person. (City of Columbia Ordinance Section 16-186)
It is prohibited for any person to camp in non-designated areas and unlawful to set up tents, shacks, or other temporary shelters. It is unlawful for any person to sleep on seats, bench, or other areas in a park. (City of Columbia Ordinance Section 17-95)
It is unlawful to open a liquor container or consume liquor on any street, sidewalk, or city parking facility. (City of Columbia Ordinance Section 16-185)
It is NOT unlawful for someone to sit or stand in a public area, provided no other laws are being broken. However, in some instances you can work with the Columbia Police Department to post a warning sign that will allow them to disperse groups of people.
Marijuana may not be used in public places including sidewalks, streets, parking facilities, bridges, parks schools, and businesses. It may not be smoked in areas where smoking is prohibited. (City of Columbia Ordinance Section 16-253)
It is unlawful to impede, obstruct, or interfere with the use of a street, sidewalk, alley, or public way by sitting, standing, lying, or other conduct with the intent to obstruct. (City of Columbia Ordinance Section 16-182)
It is unlawful to empty, discharge, or evacuate ordure or urine in any place open to public view. (City of Columbia Ordinance Section 16-184)
Smoking and vapor products are prohibited within 20 feet from entrances to buildings where smoking or vaping is not allowed.
(City of Columbia Ordinance Section 11-290)
Trespassing is prohibited and occurs when a person knowingly enters private buildings or properties which are clearly marked as private via a sign or fence. (City of Columbia Ordinance Section 16-156-7)
It is unlawful to knowingly and maliciously cause physical damage to any public or private building, structure, or
personal property without owner authorization. (City of Columbia Ordinance Section 16-153-4)
Use signs, fencing, locks, and even landscaping to manage entry onto a property and to clearly show where private property begins. This can also help direct customers to the proper entryway. Sending the police a letter authorizing enforcement of trespassing laws is also a good start. By clinking on this link you will be leaving the Loop CID website. If you would like hard copies or need additional assistance accessing these documents, please contact us at [email protected].Â
The more a space is used for positive activities, the less likely it will become a space for criminal activity. A loading dock that is used daily or a large parking lot that hosts a food truck or an outdoor garden are examples of increasing activity in often under-used areas.
Bad behavior is more likely if people cannot be seen. Installing security cameras, adding lighting, removing barriers for people to hide behind, and even keeping an eye out for your neighbors will help reduce opportunities.
Keeping property clean and well-cared-for will make it less acceptable for vandalism. This includes things like removing debris that can be used for illegal camping, picking up rocks that can be used for breaking windows, and removing trash from the parking lot. We also recommend securing dumpsters and turning off/locking outside electrical outlets or water faucets.
Eyes-on-the-street is a good first step but working together with other businesses is a great way to prevent crimes. A neighbor can alert you to a shoplifter or call when they see suspicious activity happening around your business. So trade cell phone numbers with the businesses around you and keep an eye out for each other.
Too often we don't call the police because we don't think an issue warrants it. You should still call! By dialing the 311 non-emergency number, an expert dispatcher will help determine what type of help is needed. Your call will also help the police department track where problems occur so they can best delegate their resources.
