By: Natalie M. Zeigler
City Manager
Public safety is always a top priority for any local community and its governing body. It is especially a priority for our community. Over the past five years and specifically this past year, our community’s Police Department has worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of our residents. Looking at an overview of our Law Enforcement statistics over the past year, crime in Hartsville has seen a tremendous decrease while our officers continue to increase their clearance rates.
Several categories of crime have decreased from 2014 to 2015. Specific categories include violent crimes, larcenies, bank fraud, and drug offenses. This report of a reduction is a point of pride for our community and the officers that respond to these calls. Nevertheless, our community still has strides and hurdles to overcome over the next few years. In light of recent break-ins and robberies in many neighborhoods, our officers have increased patrol in these areas and have apprehended several of the offenders.
Over the past five years, the Hartsville Police Department has had a 76% clearance rate of cases. From 2014 to 2015, the department has maintained a clearance rate of over 80%. Our officers are steadily working to make our community safe and clear of criminal activity. Found in their mission statement, The Hartsville Police Department values loyalty, integrity, fairness, and excellence. Responding to each call, officers strive to reach each of these values.
Efforts by city officials and police officers have been implemented in order to increase both the safety of the community and our officers. In an effort to building community relationships, Community Liaison Officers continue to be a presence in the community with outreach efforts. A space at 710 S. Fifth St. is anticipated to be rented as a substation for these officers. Other focuses for these officers include the STAND program which is projected to have a kick-off date in early to mid-June. Events attended by these liaison officers, such as Coffee with a Cop, serve as a way to break communication barriers between the public and law enforcement officers. The next Coffee with a Cop is scheduled for May 24th from 8 am to 10:30 am at Forest Ridge Apartment’s Community Room (1212 Myrtle Street).
Like any community, there will always be some level of crime. Communities, however, have a responsibility to combat this crime with successful and proven tactics. We will continue to make public safety efforts a priority for our community by our officers working around the clock to ensure safety, solve crimes, and build relationships with the community. We ask the community to continue to support our officials in making public safety a top priority by reporting any and all crimes.
Natalie Zeigler is the City Manager of Hartsville. For more information, call City Hall at 843-383-3015 or email info2@hartsvillesc.gov.