Police Lieutenant, City of Columbia Police Department and Attorney
One thing is abundantly clear when getting to know Clinton, and that is he has a lot to be proud of and is a much-needed member of our community. Apart from his full-time job with the Columbia Police Department, he found the time to earn his Juris Doctorate at the University of Missouri School of Law. He’s also an avid supporter and resource for the LGBTQ+ community as well as a foster parent.
Clinton realizes that there are a lot of misconceptions about being a police officer.
“There are so many misconceptions about my job. It is difficult that the public bad acts of some in my profession are imputed upon all in my profession. The overwhelming majority of those in law enforcement are good people trying to do good work,” he says. “In fact, getting to know a police officer outside of the uniform can lead to entirely different conclusions and experiences with that person. I want people to trust the uniform, but also understand the human wearing it.”
He’s also got a lengthy list of accomplishments.
“I am proud of my service at the Columbia Police Department. Reaching the rank of lieutenant has been a long-time goal. I was proud to come out as the department’s first openly gay male officer at CPD and to establish the LGBTQ+ liaison role at the department to better connect with the LGBTQ+ community,” Clinton says. “I am an adjunct instructor at the Law Enforcement Training Institute where I have taught constitutional law, crime scene processing, and crime prevention and community policing.”
Assistant Police Chief Jeremiah Hunter recognizes Clinton’s work and dedication both in the field and the community.
“Lt. Sinclair has been a passionate and model police officer for years. He has served in a variety of positions throughout his career. He has also served as CPD’s liaison to the LGBTQ + community for years,” Jeremiah adds. “Lt. Sinclair volunteers his time for community engagement through several organizations that include the Polar Bear Plunge and the Torch Run for Special Olympics Missouri, Habitat for Humanity, and the Central Missouri Food Bank — to name a few. He is fully engaged in our community and cares for each citizen he can help. Lt. Sinclair uses his position within the police department to reach out to the LGBQT + community to communicate our investigative processes and build trust and relationships within the different organizations they represent.”
Age: 36
Fun Fact: I have an irrational fear of walking on sidewalk grates, manhole covers, or really anything without something beneath it. I go out of my way to avoid them.
