Citizens Public Safety Academy - learn how government works

The City of North Charleston Police Fire, Code Enforcement and Building Departments announce its Citizens Public Safety Academy program. The program, which begins on February 5, 2014, is designed to bring awareness to the many aspects of public safety.

The Citizens Public Safety Academy is designed to foster better communication between citizens of North Charleston and public safety professionals. During the 11 week program citizens will get an inside look at what Police Officers, Firefighters, Code Enforcement Officers and Building Inspectors encounter on a daily basis. The Citizens Public Safety Academy will be held two times a year (February to April, and May to July).

Course Curriculum:

     Police (Emergency Response, Laws, Arrests, Search & Seizure and Use of Force
     Fire (Emergency Response, Fire Fighting and Inspections
     Code Enforcement (Health and Sanitation)
     Building Department (Building Inspections, Permits and Property Maintenance)

Additional Course Information

Applications for the Academy, also available in person at NCPD Training Unit (2nd floor City Hall).

Release of Liability and Course Agreement

For more information citizens can call (843) 740-2648.

North Charleston Neighborhoods turn out to Stomp out Crime

On Tuesday, August 6th 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 30th Annual National Night Out.

Locally, the North Charleston Police Department, in conjunction with national sponsor Target Stores, and communities throughout the city take a stand against crime by holding various walks, cookouts and crime prevention projects.

At 6:00 p.m.  Police Chief Eddie Driggers, along with Mayor Keith Summey and Councilmember Rhonda Jerome and residents of the Pepperhill community, will kick off a neighborhood cookout and crime prevention education activities at the Pepperhill Community Center on Brandywine Road.

Similar events will occur simultaneously in neighborhoods throughout the city to include:  Forest Hills I, Charleston Farms, North Charleston Old Village, Woodlands, Coosaw Commons 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.

Neighborhood Events/Schedule
Pepperhill - At 6 p.m., residents will gather for an evening of fun, entertainment, networking and crime prevention awareness at the Pepperhill Community Center on Brandywine Road.   Target, New York Life, Highway Patrol, Consolidated Dispatch, and the Christmas and Howell Law Firm will participate in this event.

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

Charleston Farms - Community cook-out from 6 to 8 p.m. at the community center (1633 Sumner Ave).

Indigo on the Ashley - Community cook-out from 6 to 8 p.m. at the entrance to the neighborhood.

Forest Hills - Community Walk and cookout beginning at 6 p.m..  The walk is to begin at Foxwood and Desmond, and the cookout is to take place at the Evans Community Center.

Woodlands - (Wescott) Community cookout starting at 6 p.m. at the playground.

Terrace/Waylan - Community cookout starting at 6 p.m. at the Community Center.

Coosaw Commons - Community cookout starting at 5:30 p.m. at the club house.

Oak Terrace Preserve - Community cookout starting at 6 pm.

Officers Receive Top Honors for DUI Enforcement

On Wednesday, April 3rd, seven members of the North Charleston Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit received top honors for DUI arrests during the South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s annual Law Enforcement DUI Challenge Ceremonies held in Columbia. The officers were recognized under the DUI Hero category for excelling in the area of DUI arrests in 2012.

Award recipients:

DUI Gold Heroes (50 or more DUI Arrests)

Officer Jonathan Lawrence

Officer Anthony King

DUI Silver Heroes (25 – 49 DUI Arrests)

Officer Thomas E. Bennett, Jr.

DUI Bronze Heroes (10 – 24 DUI Arrests)

Officer Theodore J. Gorman

Officer Bradford P. Molina

Officer Bryan Sadler

Officer Bryan M. Young

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.

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.

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.

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.”

Police Community Panel Announces Annual Gun Buy Back Initiative

Update: Postponed until March 31, 10:00am - noon.

The North Charleston Community and Police Panel will hold its 4th annual Gun Buyback Initiative on Saturday, March 24, 2012 Saturday, March 31, 2012 from 10 a.m. until Noon, as part of its commitment to reducing gun violence in the City of North Charleston. The gun buy-back initiative is an opportunity for people to turn in weapons to authorities with no questions asked. Residents must be 18 years or older and must follow state concealed weapons laws when transporting weapons to a buy back site. No identification will be required to participate.

The program is open only to residents of North Charleston and limited to 3 weapons per vehicle. No payments will be made to gun dealers. Only weapons in working order will receive payment.

2012 Site Locations

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 7396 Rivers Avenue 

St. Matthew Baptist Church, 2005 Reynolds Avenue

Schedule of payment

$100 gift card for hand-guns 

$50 gift card for long guns|shot guns

Since 2008, nearly 500 weapons have been collected (handguns, shotguns, rifles and assault weapons) during the annual event.

The collected weapons are processed by the police department before destruction, in accordance with the department’s policies.

Community back to school initiative and supply give-a-way

The City of North Charleston Community & Police Panel, along with area churches and businesses, announce its 4th annual “It’s Cool to Be In School” initiative. The free back to school supply give-a-way will take place on Saturday, August 13 from 10 am until noon at the Charleston Area Convention Center, while supplies last. Parents must bring the student with them.

The campaign is designed to ensure that North Charleston students in Charleston County Schools are present on the first day of school on August 16th.

Community & Police Panel Chairman Pastor Augustus Robinson calls the event a “great opportunity to help parents in need of assistance.” Churches sponsoring this year’s event include: Cathedral of Praise, Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Evening of Prayer Church of God In Christ, Truth and Fellowship Ministry, Royal Baptist Church, and others.

Any organization that would like to become a sponsor should contact the Police Community Panel at 740-2845.

Project Free Entry - City unveils initiative to aid stranded motorists

Mayor R. Keith Summey along with Police Chief Jon R. Zumalt and Deputy Chief David Cheatle unveiled the city’s latest initiative to aide stranded motorists “Project Free Entry.” Through Project Free Entry officers will be able to assist residents that have locked keys in their vehicle at no cost. The lock out kit is known for its ease of use and simple design. Unlike older door entry devices, the Big Easy Lockout Kit enters the interior of the vehicle without working the interior mechanisms of the door.

Deputy Chief David Cheatle said, “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to assist citizens in a time of distress. I see this as a way for us to continue developing relationships with our residents at a most difficult time.” Eighteen officers are trained to use the Big Easy Lockout Tool Kit. The lockout kits will be strategically located with officers throughout the city.

Residents can call the city’s non-emergency phone line (843) 745-1015 to report a lockout. Officers will respond as practical as possible to render aide. Emergency calls will take priority over locked out incidents. The vehicle operator will be required to provide identification and sign a release of liability form.

Mayor Summey said, “It’s a good feeling for residents to know that they can count on the city and its police department to help out in a time of need. This is what makes North Charleston a great place to live, work, or play.”

Citizens Receive Award for Kidnapped Infant’s Safe Return

Today, the FBI along with the North Charleston Police Department, presented checks in the amount of $10,000.00 each to two citizens responsible for the identification and apprehension of 19 year old Andrea Samone Walker, in the kidnapping of a one month old infant outside of a North Charleston post office.

Walker is accused of kidnapping one month old Angel Perez from his mother’s vehicle while parked outside of the US Post Office on Rivers Avenue, Monday, November 23, 2009. Investigators determined that at some point on November 23rd Walker visually observed the victim and her infant child. It then appears that Walker began following the victim. When the victim arrived at the post office, Walker saw the victim enter the post office without the child. Walker then entered the victim’s vehicle, removed the child from a car seat and fled the area with the child.

During the investigation police received numerous calls and information from the public regarding the abduction and possible sighting of the suspect and infant victim. Two citizens were able to provide investigators with specific information identifying the suspect and missing child. Acting on those tips officers located one month old Angel Miguel Perez at a residence in Summerville. The infant was found unharmed and later reunited with his parents.

The citizens receiving the reward, who wish to remain anonymous, sated they did what they hope everyone would do cooperate with police. Both said they were glad that the infant was able to be reunited with his parents.

FBI Special Agent Paul Fravel said, “We are proud of the two for coming forward and their help in bringing this situation to a happy resolution.” Chief Jon Zumalt said, “This speaks to the issue of trust. If our citizens trust law enforcement they will work with us, and this is what we work at everyday developing trust in the community. I am proud of the two them.”

The money came from the FBI’s reward Program.

North Charleston Neighborhoods Turn out to Stomp out Crime

Citizens across North Charleston will hit the streets to take back their communities. On Tuesday, August 4th from 6:00-9:00 pm, 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 26th Annual National Night Out.

At 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 4th, Mayor Keith Summey, along with Police Chief Jon Zumalt and Housing Authority Executive Director George Saldana, will join residents of the Horizon Village community to kick off a neighborhood cookout and crime prevention walk.

Similar events will occur simultaneously in neighborhoods throughout the city to include: Forest Hills I, Wando Woods, Midland Park/Stall Road Corridor, Charleston Farms, Olde North Charleston, Cameron Terrace, Oak Preserve, Union Heights and Accabee. 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--
Horizon Village
Mayor Summey, along with Chief Jon Zumalt and Housing Authority Executive Director George Saldana, will kick off the event at 6:00 pm. Residents will take part in a neighborhood walk and cookout . Back to School activities will also take place. The event will take place at the Activity Center, 3800 Spruill Avenue.

Forest Hills
Residents of Forest Hills I will meet at 6:30 pm at Foxwood Drive and Dorchester Road (beside the Lil Cricket) then walk through the neighborhood with banners and hand held signs accompanied by police and fire vehicles and others.

Cameron Terrace, Oak Preserve, Charleston Farms, and Oakdale
Residents will host a cookout in front of the School of the Arts beginning at 6:00 pm. Seacoast Church will be providing assistance.

Wando Woods
Residents will participate in a community flashlight walk beginning at 6:30 pm.

Midland Park/Stall Road Corridor
These two communities will come together beginning at 7:00 pm at New Covenant Church on Stall Road. A cookout is scheduled to be followed by a community meeting.

Accabee
Residents will host a picnic at the community center starting at 6:00 pm.

Union Heights
At 6:00 pm residents will host a walk through the community followed by meeting at the Gethsemane community center.

The Lakes at Northwoods
Residents will meet at the pool area on Brookforest at Lake Marion Drive at 8:00 pm for a flashlight walk through the community.

Olde North Charleston
Residents of Olde North Charleston Neighborhood Council will meet at 4722 O’Hear Avenue to celebrate National Night Out! Refreshments will be served at 6:30 pm followed by a walk down O’Hear to Oakwood, Glenshaw, Bexley and Buist Avenues.