Chicora Community Art Mural Unveiling Set for March 6

A public art piece one year in the making is set to be revealed to the public at an official unveiling ceremony and reception on Thursday, March 6, 2014, from 4:00-5:00pm at the Tri-County Family Life Center, located at 1914 Reynolds Avenue in North Charleston. The 8’ by 12’ mural by Jonell Logan and Rashawnna Hawkins, titled The Gift We Give Ourselves, is the result of a collaboration between the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, City of North Charleston Police Department, and Metanoia. The artists and collaborators invite members of the surrounding community and the general public to witness the unveiling and enjoy light refreshments at the reception.

This highly collaborative project combines art and community engagement to visually encourage and remind the area’s youth to aspire to reach their goals and also serves as a point of pride for Chicora neighborhood residents. “We were thrilled to partner with the North Charleston Police Department, the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, and Tri-County Family Ministries to make our first mural on Reynolds Avenue a reality,” says Rev. Bill Stanfield, Metanoia CEO. “The two artists who did the mural really took the feedback of neighborhood residents into account and the second of these two artists, Rashawnna Hawkins, is actually a resident of the neighborhood herself. We feel positive public art is a very important part of any health community and we look forward to trying to get more murals going in the months ahead in our neighborhood.”

WHAT: Chicora Community Art Mural Unveiling and Reception

WHO: City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, City of North Charleston Police Department, Metanoia, and Tri-County Family Ministries

WHEN: Thursday, March 6, 2014, 4:00-5:00pm

WHERE: Tri-County Family Life Center - 1914 Reynolds Avenue, North Charleston

ADMISSION: Free; all are welcome to attend

This project was funded in part by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs and the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department through their joint administration of the Lowcountry Quarterly Arts Grant Program and the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the John and Susan Bennett Memorial Arts Fund of the Coastal Community Foundation of SC.

It's Cool to be in School - rally & school supply give-a-way

The City of North Charleston, in partnership with area churches and businesses, will hold its 6th annual school supply giveaway on Saturday, August 17, 2013, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Charleston Area Convention Center.

Bring your school-aged children to receive supplies for the school year.  Supplies will be given out on a first-come-first-serve basis. Children must accompany their parents at the event.

It's Cool to be in School program is organized by North Charleston Police Department's Community and Police Panel.

Police Department to posthumously award Medal of Valor to fallen officer

On May 9, 2013 Mayor Keith Summey and City Council, along with Police Chief Eddie Driggers and members of the North Charleston Police Department will posthumously award the Police Department’s Medal of Valor to Patrolman Robert (Tony) Way. Way’s widow, Audrey, along with other family members will accept the award in Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m.

On February 18, 1985, Patrolman Tony Way and an assisting officer responded to an alarm call at Rose’s Hideaway Bar on Rivers Avenue. Unbeknownst to the officers, there was a suspect lying in wait with a plan to carry out an ambush in retaliation from a prior incident with police. Upon their arrival, Patrolman Way went to the rear of the building to make sure that the business was secure. It was then that the suspect was encountered but he fled from the scene and Patrolman Way pursued on foot. As the pursuit went around the building, a gunfight began with the suspect firing the first round that struck Patrolman Way on his right side. The gunfight continued with the suspect firing two additional rounds that struck near Way’s heart. Undaunted, Patrolman Way returned fire with two rounds striking the suspect in the lower back and four rounds making contact in the suspect’s abdominal area. The suspect died on scene within minutes and Patrolman Way died shortly thereafter at a local hospital.

Since the first recorded death in 1791, almost 20,000 law enforcement officers in the United States have made the ultimate sacrifice and been killed in the line of duty. Mayor Summey has proclaimed May 12, 2013 through May 18, 2013 as National Police Week in the City of North Charleston in memory of those Law Enforcement Officers, who through their courageous deeds made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. 

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.”

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.

It's Cool to be in School, 5th annual school supply giveaway

The City of North Charleston, in partnership with area churches and businesses, will hold its 5th annual school supply giveaway on Saturday, August 11, 2012, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Charleston Area Convention Center.

Bring your school-aged children to receive supplies for the school year.  Supplies will be given out on a first-come-first-serve basis.

It's Cool to be in School program is organized by North Charleston Police Department's Community and Police Panel.

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.

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 Fire Museum & Educational Center Celebrates Anniversary with 5th Annual Bike Rodeo and Safety Day

The North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center will celebrate its fifth anniversary on Saturday, May 19, 2012 with the Annual Safe Kids Bike Rodeo and Safety Day. The Fire Museum opened its doors to the public on April 28, 2007 and since that time has hosted over 300,000 visitors.

As a thank you to the community, the North Charleston Fire Museum, in conjunction with Safe Kids Trident Area, will present a full day of family fun activities to entertain while educating to prevent accidental childhood injury. Children will receive a free new bike helmet and can take part in free jump castles, a climbing wall, music, and water games.

Guests can visit over 30 different vendors and booths, and watch vehicle extraction demonstrations by the North Charleston Fire Department and the North Charleston Police Department Bike Team. Children can also navigate their way through the bicycle obstacle course after receiving a free bike inspection and tune up. Bring your own bike or use one of the free bikes available for check out.

Attendees can cool off in the museum and enjoy free admission for the entire family. The Bike Rodeo is scheduled from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm and the Fire Museum will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm with the last admission at 4:00 pm on Saturday, May 19, 2012.

Bike Rodeo & Safety Fair poster

For more information, contact Max Sterling at (843) 740-5550 x 221 or maxjsterling@gmail.com.

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.

Commentary by Chief Zumalt: "Setting the record straight"

In 2006 North Charleston was identified as the 7th most violent city in the United States. We experienced 28 murders that year. In 2007, 26 people were murdered. This epidemic of black on black violence was devastating to our City, its communities, and the families of the victims. Something had to change. In 2007 I pleaded to the public and community leaders for help. While many did help us the leader of the Charleston Branch of the NAACP was quoted in the paper that year saying “Don’t make your job, my job.” Since that time the leaders of the Charleston NAACP have been critical of our community and police efforts to stop the violence and most troubling, have offered no help or solutions. I guess it is easier to criticize than to roll up your shirt sleeves, come to the table and work together to make our communities safer. Until now I have refused to get involved in the negativity directed at our police department. The time has come for me to set the record straight.

The statics tell us that over the last decade 84 percent of violent crime in our City was committed by black suspects and the majority of the victims of those crimes were black. The vast majority of the violence was committed in predominantly black neighborhoods. The majority of people in these neighborhoods are good, law abiding citizens. They were sick of the violence and deserved better from all of us. They wanted our presence and challenged us to make their neighborhoods safe.  In response to those facts I moved a significant portion of our police resources to these high violence neighborhoods and instructed our officers to take a zero tolerance policy toward unlawful behavior. As a result a higher number of blacks are stopped for traffic and pedestrian violations than whites. During each stop I require the officers to remain respectful, explain why they are in the neighborhood and explain to the person the reason for the stop. This communication between the officer and offender is necessary and expected and has proven fruitful in gaining information and in most cases compliance has been achieved through a warning citation. Because of this proactive and focused use of our police resources we had 5 murders in our City in 2011. Murders have dropped 82% and overall violence has dropped by 55 percent since 2006. We must and we will continue this approach to crime control.

We have implemented a number of innovative programs to prevent violence in the future. Our “Cool to be in School” program provides impoverished children the supplies they need for their classroom education and we work with the schools and parents to reduce truancy. Our juvenile diversion program is working to keep children that commit minor offenses out of the juvenile justice system and instead, surround them with the types of services that will help them change their behavior. We do a gun buyback every year to reduce the number of guns on our streets and provide gun safety locks to prevent gun injuries to children. This is positive change. This is problem solving. This is hard work. There are a number of dedicated community leaders that meet with me and the department and help us make our city safe. The leadership of the NAACP has not helped us with these or any of our crime reduction efforts and I wish they would.

I am human and so are my Officers. We make mistakes. When we do, please let me know and I promise that we will work to resolve it and improve. In the sense of fairness, when we do a good job let us know that too. We should all be supporting and thanking the brave and dedicated police officers that are working to reduce crime and gain the trust and respect of our citizens. These men and women are heroes.

Jon R. Zumalt
Chief of the North Charleston Police Department

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.

Police Community Panel Announces Annual Gun Buy Back Initiative

POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST 

The North Charleston Community and Police Panel will hold its 3rd annual Gun Buyback Initiative in January 2011, as part of their 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.

2010 Site Locations

View Gun Buy Back Initiative in a larger map

Schedule of payment
$100 gift card for hand-guns
$50 gift card for long guns | shot guns

Last year, 127 weapons were collected (handguns, shotguns, rifles and assault weapons)

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

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.”

Project CLUE - Communities Lighting Up with Energy Efficiency

The goal of the project is to implement a lighting initiative aimed at helping communities illuminate their porch areas, while at the same time become familiar with greener living.  Many communities are dimly lit and inviting to the criminal element.



Program Objective

• Distribute new CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs to residents.
• Officers will issue light bulbs and literature at civic club meetings and to any resident that requests the bulb.
• Contractors will donate time and supplies, free of charge, to residents requiring upgraded wiring for the CFL bulb.

Benefits to the Resident

• Four times more efficient, late 10 times longer. 50-80% less energy than incandescent.
• Uses 1/3 less energy (heat) therefore cost .02 cents daily to operate.
• CFLs give high quality light and do not flicker or hum.
• Saving electricity reduces carbon dioxide emission for pollution reduction.
• Assists financially challenged residents.
• New wiring for residents with a need supplied by professional electricians.

Benefits to the Police

• Increased positive interaction with community members.
• Deterrence of the criminal element in some inviting areas.
• Bridging relationships with citizens
• Increased visibility for any potential witnesses of crime.

Project CLUE Pilot Locations

• Chicora Cherokee – Florida Street/Carlton Street
• Glynn Terrace – Eva Street
• Union Heights – Delaware Street/Forest Avenue
• Charleston Farms – Read Street/Greenbay Street
• Midland Park – Stall Road/South Kenwood
• Dubois MHP
• Dorchester Village MHP
• Accabee – Filmore Street/Baker Street
• Dorchester Terrace – South Allen

Project Coordinator

• Lieutenant Joyce Smith

Sponsors

• SCANA
• Wal-Mart
• local electricians

North Charleston Neighborhoods Turn out to Stomp out Crime

On Tuesday, August 3rd 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 27th Annual National Night Out.

Locally, the North Charleston Police Department, in conjunction with national sponsor Target Stores, will sponsor the 27th Annual National Night Out event Tuesday, August 3, 2010 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

At 6:00 pm, Mayor Pro-Tem Bob King, along with Ferndale neighborhood president Charlynne Smith, will join residents to kick off a neighborhood cookout and crime prevention walk. The event will take place at the Ferndale Gym located on Piedmont Avenue.

Similar events will occur simultaneously in neighborhoods throughout the city to include: Forest Hills I, Midland Park/Stall Road Corridor, Charleston Farms | Singing Pines, Oak Preserve, Union Heights, Accabee, Dorchester Waylyn, Wescott, Horizon Village. 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 vigilant against crime.

Nationally, over 33 million people will participate in ‘America’s Night Out Against Crime’ this year.

Full Schedule of Events by Neighborhood

Accabee
Cookout at the Accabee community center starting at 6:00 pm.

Ashley Shores
Community cookout beginning at 6:00 pm

Charleston Farms and Singing Pines
These two communities will hold a block party/cookout at the Charleston Farms Community Center beginning at 6:00 pm

Dorchester Waylyn
Neighborhood walk beginning at 6:00 pm at the Geanne Batten community center.

Ferndale
Cookout at the Ferndale Gym parking lot on Piedmont Avenue beginning at 6:00 pm. Mayor Pro-tem Bob King to kick off the event.

Forest Hills I
Neighborhood flashlight walk through the community beginning at 7:00 pm at the Lil Cricket at the corner of Foxwood and Dorchester.

Horizon Village
Nieghborhood cookout.

Lakes of Northwoods
Neighborhood flashlight walk starting at 8:00 pm at the neighborhood pool on Brookforest Dr.

Oak Terrace Preserve
This Cookout in the park in front of the school off Lackawanna starting at 6:00 pm.

Pines at Charleston Park
Cookout in their community in a culdesac starting at 6:00 pm. This community is located off Dorchester Rd across from Whitehall.

Stall Rd, Midland Park, Colony North, and Pepperhill
Four neighborhoods will combine for a cookout at the New Covenant Church on Stall Rd beginning at 7:00 pm.

Union Heights
Flashlight walk within the community following their monthly community meeting. The walk is expected to begin around 7:00 pm.

Wescott
Cookout to be held in the parking lot of Lowes beginning at 6:00 pm.

North Charleston Police Department Receives National Accreditation

On Saturday, March 27, 2010 the City of North Charleston Police Department was awarded National Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (C.A.L.E.A) during the organization’s annual spring conference in Dallas, Texas.

Chief Jon R. Zumalt, along with members of his staff appeared before the commission to complete the reaccreditation 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.

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 Jon Zumalt said, “This is a proud moment for the employees of our agency and citizens of North Charleston. It proves that we are making tremendous strides in building trust with our citizens while at the same time implementing crime reduction strategies. 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, “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 national accreditation ensures our citizens that they are receiving the best public safety service from a professional agency.”