Columbia Police Officer Fired After Criminal Domestic Violence Claims

A Columbia Police officer has been released of his duties after allegations of domestic violence and driving under the influence.

Gerald Atkinson, an officer assigned to the department’s Investigations Unit, was fired Tuesday following an internal investigation, Interim Chief Ruben Santiago said in a release.

“We as police officers are held to a higher standard in the public’s eye,” Santiago said in the release. “We need to adhere to the laws that we are sworn to uphold.”

“There are no excuses. The Columbia Police Department will only have outstanding officers serve citizens, and nothing less. These are serious allegations that have been brought to our attention.”

Atkinson was allegedly involved in criminal domestic violence incidents in Columbia and Lexington County, according to the release. He is also accused of driving under the influence in Lexington County.

Santiago requested that the State Law Enforcement Division investigate the incident in Columbia, the release said. 

Atkinson was placed on unpaid administrative leave on Friday, July 5, after the department received information regarding the allegations.

Atkinson is being held at the Lexington County Detention Center.