North Charleston Police Department Again Receives National Accreditation

On Saturday, March 23, 2013 the City of North Charleston Police Department was awarded re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (C.A.L.E.A) during the organization’s spring conference in North Charleston, South Carolina. 

Police Chief Eddie Driggers, along with members of his staff appeared before the commission to complete the re-accreditation process. The accreditation program requires the Police Department to comply with 446 state-of-the-art standards in four basic areas: policies and procedures, administration, operations, and support services. North Charleston Police Department received initial accreditation in 2007 and was reaccredited in 2010. 

During the re-accreditation process, members of the commission praised the Police department for its commitment to completing the extensive process; and strengthening community relations while at the same time reducing crime. 

National Accreditation strengthens crime prevention and control capabilities; formalizes essential management procedures; establishes fair and nondiscriminatory personnel practices; improves service delivery; solidifies interagency cooperation and coordination; and increases community and staff confidence in the agency. 

Chief Eddie Driggers said, “This is a proud moment for the employees of our agency and citizens of North Charleston. It proves that we continue to make tremendous strides in building trust with our citizens while improving our delivery of service. If citizens trust law enforcement they will work with us, and this is what we work at everyday developing trust in the community. 

Mayor Keith Summey said, “Once again, this is a defining moment not only for the hard working men and women of the police department, but for our entire City and residents. “Receiving re-accreditation ensures our citizens that they are receiving the best public safety service from a professional agency.”

Accreditation Assessment Team Invites Public Comment

A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) will arrive November 4th, 2012, to examine all aspects of the North Charleston Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.

Verification by the team that the North Charleston Police Department meets the Commission’s state-of-the-art standards is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation. Chief Zumalt describes the Commission as, “a highly-prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence.” Zumalt adds that in order to gain accredited status, the department had to comply with 480 standards that were recognized as the top police practices in the nation.

Captain Joyce Smith, the Accreditation Manager for the North Charleston Police Department, said the assessment team is comprised of law enforcement practitioners from similarly sized, but out of state agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview individuals and officers, and visit sites where compliance can be witnessed. The assessors are:

Team Leader: Deputy Chief Michael Webb (Abington Township Police Department) - Pennsylvania
Team Member: Laura Saunders (Burlington Police Department) – North Carolina

Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they report back to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to receive accredited status. Accreditation is for three years, during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with those standards under which they were initially accredited.

As part of the on-site assessment, the public and agency employees are invited to offer comments on the department’s services and performance at a Public Information Session on Monday, November 5th, 2012, at 6:00 PM. The session will be held in the Montague Room, 2nd Floor at North Charleston City Hall, located at 2500 City Hall Lane, North Charleston, SC.

If for some reason an individual cannot speak at the Public Information Session, but would like to provide comments to the assessment team, he/she may do so by telephone. The public may call (843) 740-2819 on Monday, November 5th, between the hours of 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

Telephone comments, as well as those made at the Public Information Session, are limited to ten minutes and must address the department’s ability to comply with the CALEA standards. A copy of the standards is available at the North Charleston Police Department.

Anyone wishing to submit written comments about the North Charleston Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards of accreditation may send them to:

CALEA
13575 Heathcote Blvd., Suite 320
Gainesville, VA 20155

Anyone requesting standards or additional information may contact the Police Department’s Accreditation Manager, Captain Joyce Smith, at 740-2838.

School Resource Officers make impact at summer camps

The 2012 School Resource Officer (SRO) Summer Camp program integrated curriculum and instruction from SROs who interacted daily with children 5 to 12 years old. In total, 480 children were involved in the program. SROs were paramount in the organization and execution of our recreational activities and cultural art projects as well.

In 2012, camp sites had organized instructional time for SROs to address campers of different age groups. Curriculum was tailored to each age group and covered law related topics, such as Shoplifting, Bullying, School Offenses, Internet Safety, Street Safety, Gang Activity, DUI/Drug Safety, and Constitutional Law.

School Resource Officers in our camps provided early detection and prevention of behavioral issues and ensured positive community relations between the Police Department and the community.

SROs participated in the following camps:
Northwoods
Armory Park
Jeanene Batten
Murray Hill
Minor Crosby
Felix Pinckney
Gethsemani
Charleston Farms
Stall High School

Police make donation to victim service agencies

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey along with Police Chief Jon Zumalt presented monetary donations to three Victim Services Agencies. Checks were presented to People Against Rape ($15,000.00); The Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center ($15,000.00); and The South Carolina Victim’s Assistance Network ($10,000.00).

Police Chief Jon Zumalt says, “We are pleased to support these very important victim service agencies that are vital to victims of crime in North Charleston.” Mayor Keith Summey calls the donations “vital” to the continuation of victim services from these agencies and goes on to say, "In these difficult financial times it is important that we do everything to maintain and provide these services to our citizens."

People Against Rape and Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center provides counseling, safe haven, personal support and other services to victim. The South Carolina Victim’s Assistance Network provides enhanced advocacy and other forms of service to victims.

North Charleston neighborhoods turn out to Stomp out Crime

On August 7, citizens, law enforcement agencies, community groups, businesses and local officials in over 10,000 communities and military bases worldwide will join forces to mark the 29th Annual National Night Out.  Locally, the North Charleston Police Department will host National Night Out in conjunction with Target, the national sponsor, on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

At 6:00 pm, Police Chief Jon Zumalt, along with Councilman Michael Brown and residents of the Accabee community, will kick off a neighborhood cookout and crime prevention education activities at the Accabee Community Center on Appleton Avenue. The event will conclude with a neighborhood walk.

Similar events will occur simultaneously in neighborhoods throughout the city to include: Forest Hills I, Midland Park/Stall Road Corridor, Charleston Farms, Union Heights, Olde Village, and Indigo on the Ashley to name a few. Citizens are asked to turn on their porch lights as a sign of unity and to let the criminals know that the City of North Charleston is organized and fighting back.

National Night Out is designed to (1) heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs; (3) strengthen neighborhood spirit, police and community relations; and (4) send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods around the world are organized and fighting back. Nationally, over 33 million people will participate in ‘America’s Night Out Against Crime’ this year.

Schedule of events

Ferndale - Community cook-out from 6-8 pm at the Community Center on Bolton and Piedmont.

Stall/MidlandPark/Pepperhill - Neighborhood- Watch Block Party from 6–8 pm. Games, food, and community/vendors invited. The event will take place at the Stall Road Community Center.

Accabee - The community will be hosting a cookout and a walk. The event will take place at the Accabee Community center from 6 – 8 pm. The North Charleston Police department will be hosting a bicycle rodeo.

Olde Village - The community will be hosting a cookout and walk. The walk will start at 5:30 pm meeting place is Triangle Park at Justice/Beaver. The cookout is from 1830-until.

Charleston Farms - The community will be hosting a cookout at the community center (1633 Sumner Ave). The event will take place from 6 pm.

Indigo on the Ashley - The neighborhood will be hosting a family movie night under the stars. The event will take place in a community common area from 6–9 pm.

Taylor Plantation - Community cook-out at the amenity center from 6–8 pm.

Forest Hills - The neighborhood is having a “Going Away Party” for crimes and drugs. They will be conducting a walk starting at the Lil’ Cricket at 7 pm.

Wando Woods - Community Walk starting at 7 pm. Meet at the Community center.

Chicora/ Cherokee - Community cookout from 6–8 pm at the Community center.

Union Heights - Community cookout at the Community Center at 6 pm.

Coosaw Commons - Community Cookout at the Pool House starting at 6:30 pm.

Five Charleston area fire departments sign unprecedented aid agreement

Greater Charleston area fire departments have taken unprecedented steps toward cross-boundary support when responding to future fires and emergencies. The governing bodies of the City of Charleston, the City of North Charleston, St. Andrew’s Public Service District, James Island Public Service District, and St. John’s Fire District each approved an Interlocal Agreement for Automatic Aid and Response to provide mutual assistance during emergencies and jointly signed the agreement on Monday, July 30, 2012 at the North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center.

At the ceremony, five neighboring fire departments formally entered into the automatic aid agreement for fire protection. This agreement is the result of years of work to develop identical or compatible procedures that allow the members of these five departments to work together seamlessly at fires and other emergency incidents. In the future, responses will be from the closest available crews for emergencies that are located anywhere in these jurisdictions, regardless of municipal and service district boundaries.

The areas included cover Daniel Island to Kiawah Island and Ladson Road to Peninsula Charleston. Faster response can significantly improve the outcome of incidents and could result in saving more lives and property. These five departments have a total combined force of approximately 800 firefighters who can now operate together effectively at large scale emergencies.

“This agreement for automatic aid significantly improves our capability to handle major emergencies as well as multiple, simultaneous incidents. I credit our partner departments with working through many challenges to achieve this agreement that provides safer and more effective service to the citizens we serve,” said North Charleston Fire Chief Greg Bulanow.

“This agreement assures we provide the best response and customer service to the our citizens. We are proud to be working with the other Departments,” said Charleston Interim Fire Chief Franklin Finley.

“This historic document is all about improving service to our customers while enhancing safer operations for our personnel,” said St. Andrews Public Service District Fire Chief Mark Schrade.

“Automatic Aid, common Standard Operating Guidelines, and joint training are key to providing the citizens we protect with the highest level of service possible. This Automatic Aid Agreement ensures that our communities are receiving the quickest possible response to their call for service by sending the closest unit regardless of jurisdiction,” said James Island Public Service District Fire Chief M. Chris Seabolt.

"Automatic aid is all about the customer getting an adequate response without the worry of whose jurisdiction they may reside in,” said St. John’s Fire District Fire Chief Karl E. Ristow.

Each department will bear the costs associated with its own crews and equipment, with the possible exception of hazmat costs. Assistance rendered under this agreement is determined on an as available basis and is not required if the circumstances are such that safety in one area of service will be diminished by providing assistance.

Officer DeCorte honored for off duty actions

Office Jason Lee DeCorte of the North Charleston Police Department was honored at City Council on July 27, 2012 as the City's employee of the quarter for his off duty actions last spring.

On May 15, 2012, Officer DeCorte traveling on Dorchester Road when he observed a vehicle swerving across all lanes of traffic.  Although off duty, Officer DeCorte went forth with a standard traffic stop to prevent the car's occupant from injuring himself, other motorist, or pedestrians.

When Officer DeCorte approached the vehicle, the motorist would not roll his window down or open the driver's door as was instructed and appeared to be in a daze with his eyes opening and closing very slowly.  When the door was finally opened, the motorist's legs appeared to be very swollen, his shirt and pants soaked from sweat, and his reactions delayed.  In addition, the motorist could not answer any of Officer DeCorte's questions.

Quickly realizing the motorist needed medical treatment, Officer DeCorte requested an EMS Unit to respond immediately.  After their arrival it was discovered that the motorist's blood sugar was dangerously low.  If a few more minutes had passed, the motorist could have lost his life.

Officer DeCorte, while off duty, prevented what could have been a tragic ending.  His actions saved a life and removed a very dangerous situation from our community's roadway.

Officer Winslette receives Purple Heart for surviving a life-threatening incident in the life of duty

 Officer David Winslette (right) with Chief Jon Zumalt (left). Chief Zumalt is holding the DuPont Kevlar Award.

Officer David Winslette received the Purple Heart award for the events on January 14, 2012

On January 14, 2012, North Charleston Police Officer David C. Winslette cleared a call in reference to a stolen iPad from a residence on Allen Drive. The complainant provided Officer Winslette with a name and physical description of the suspect.

While parked at the El Cheapo fuel station on lower Dorchester Rd, about one block from the incident location, Officer Winslette searched the portable DMV database for a photo of the suspect, which he located. Shortly after, Officer Winslette observed a subject fitting the description of the suspect enter the El Cheapo, where he purchased a few items.

After exiting the store, Winslette watched the suspect as he walked towards a dark sedan, which was parked at the fuel pumps. Winslette exited his patrol car and approached the suspect, making a verbal request to speak with the suspect to conduct a field interview. The suspect continued to walk away from Officer Winslette, ignoring his requests.

As Winslette came into within eight feet of the suspect, the suspect turned quickly to his right, discharging two 9mm rounds. The first round struck Officer Winslette in the upper left chest portion of his vest, causing him to stumble back from the impact. The second round struck Officer Winslette’s left knee, shattering the knee cap and knocking him to the ground.

Realizing that the situation was life-threatening and within milliseconds of being wounded, Officer Winslette reached for his radio to contact Communications. During his fall, the battery was dislodged from his radio. Displaying great fortitude, Officer Winslette assembled his radio as rounds three and four were discharged by the suspect, missing their intended target. Officer Winslette radioed for help and advised he had been shot. Winslette was able to provide a detailed description and the direction of travel of the shooter, who he observed fleeing the scene across a busy roadway.

Due to his diligence, quick-thinking, and courage, Winslette was able to keep his composure, utilized sound judgment and did not return fire, which could have risked injury to innocent civilians. Officer Winslette honored his responsibility and answered the call to serve and protect the citizens of North Charleston, nearly with the sacrifice of his very life.

Officer David C. Winslette is a credit to the City of North Charleston, the Mayor, the Police Department and the citizens he’s sworn to protect.

___________________________________________

Pictured in the photo (L-R), Ronald McBride (IACP DuPont), Tommy Norris (Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient), David Winslette (NCPD), and Jeff Fackler (DuPont Protective Services)

Officer Winslette accepted the DuPont Kevlar Award in Texas, which is given in recognition to those who have survived life-threatening incidents by wearing personal body armor.

Firehouse Subs heats up North Charleston Police Department with over $3500 worth of life-saving tools

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation awarded equipment to North Charleston Police Department during a ceremony on Monday, June 4, 2012 at the North Charleston Firehouse Subs location. The department benefits with a stealth stat system worth more than $3,500.

The donated device will allow the department to conduct traffic studies in areas where there are safety concerns. With the new system, officers will be able to record vehicle speeds at different times of the day to determine which areas are in need of enforcement.

Since 2005, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has donated more than $525,000 to public safety entities in South Carolina.  Firehouse Subs is renowned for hearty, oversized portions and piping hot subs. The founders’ 200-year firefighting heritage inspired the formation of the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which provides funding, resources and support to public safety entities.

“Our local heroes need to be prepared at a moment’s notice to protect and save lives,” said Kevin Hatton, franchisee of the North Charleston Firehouse Subs restaurant. “Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, with the support of our restaurants, is dedicated to equip, educate, and fund first responders.”

Each restaurant recycles leftover, five-gallon pickle buckets and sells them to guests for $2. Donation canisters on register counters explain the non-profit’s mission and collect spare change, while the round up program allows guests to literally “round up” their bill to the nearest dollar.

In 2005, Firehouse Subs created the non-profit, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, with the mission to provide funding, life-saving equipment and educational opportunities to aid first-responders. Through the non-profit 501(c)(3), Firehouse Subs has given more than $3.9 million to hometown heroes, including fire and police departments and EMS organizations.

Firehouse Subs, founded in Jacksonville, Fla., by former firefighting brothers Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen, is a 508-unit fast casual restaurant chain. Firehouse Subs offers oversized portions of premium hand-sliced meats, steamed to make the flavors burst, then piled high with fresh produce atop a toasted sub roll. The restaurants reflect the authentic firefighter heritage, as well as the founding family’s 200 years of firefighting service.

For more information on Firehouse Subs or this donation, please visit Firehousesubs.com, Facebook.com/firehousesubs or follow on Twitter at @firehousesubs.

North Charleston Police Officer Named State DUI Officer of Year

On Tuesday, April 3rd, North Charleston Police Private First Class Jonathan Lawrence was named DUI Officer of the Year by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Network. Last year, Lawrence made 144 DUI arrests; and 115 in 2010. For the past two years, Lawrence has also received the Gold Award for his work in DUI Enforcement.

Lawrence has a “never quit” attitude. He can be counted upon to help out his fellow officers, not with only DUI cases but with any call. Chief Jon Zumalt said, “As a result of Lawrence’s hard work and that of the other members of the department traffic fatalities have been well below yearly average. Of those fatal accidents we do have, intoxicated drivers as the cause have dropped substantially during his tenure on the DUI Enforcement Team.”