In the Community Photo Slideshow
CRIME STOPPERS AWARD
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Sergeant Melissa Woodburn has been presented with a Crime Stoppers Award for her role in apprehending four suspects, including one of Anderson County’s Top 10 Most Wanted. On March 3, 2013, the City of Anderson Police Department answered a call for service regarding a shoplifting at Family Dollar on South Main Street. Sgt. Woodburn quickly responded and stopped four suspects from leaving the parking lot by car. Officers Chris Getsinger, Randall Norris and Sergeant Jason Hayes quickly arrived for backup. |
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
The City of Anderson City Council has proclaimed May 12-18, 2013, as National Police Week to honor the service and sacrifice of those law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty while protecting our communities and safeguarding our democracy. 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, including four members of the Anderson Police Department. Read the Proclamation
TEENAGE DRIVING
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When it comes to driving, teenagers are already four times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident, prone to distractions and poor judgment at a greater level than more experienced drivers. Adding the dynamics of prom nights and approaching graduation celebrations to the mix only increases the risks, leaving nervous parents hoping that their children can celebrate safely and responsibly. While all parents want their teens to enjoy these once-in-a-lifetime events, it's important to take preventive measures to ensure their safety during these high-risk times. "The risk is heightened during celebrations such as prom and graduations," Chief Jim Stewart said. The City of Anderson Police Department wants to remind youth and their parents to celebrate upcoming proms and graduations safely. Earlier this week, accident-involved vehicles were placed at the entrances of T. L. Hanna High School and Westside High School. The wrecked vehicles were provided by CMS Garage in Anderson. The vehicles are to remind students of the dangers of drinking and driving, drugs, and texting while driving. The signs on the vehicles state "DRIVE NOW/TEXT LATER" with a circle strike of DUI and DRUGS. This was a joint collaboration of the
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SECURE OUR SCHOOLS GRANT
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In September 2011, the City of Anderson Police Department was awarded a Secure Our Schools Grant through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. The police department partnered with the Anderson County Alternative School and Anderson V Career Campus to improve the safety of students, and security at the schools and school grounds through enhanced technology, community policing strategies and partnerships. School safety is becoming an increasingly difficult task. However, security on school grounds should not depend solely on teachers and administrators, but on the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, city officials, business leaders, community groups, and public and private agencies. The safety issues in a school encompass the activities inside and outside of the school building that make up the learning environment, which makes keeping schools and the communities that surround them safe a joint responsibility that requires a broad-based team approach. The police department recognizes the importance of developing community relationships for joint problem solving. The enhanced partnerships which have been established as a result of the grant program allows the schools and police department to determine collectively the best methods to overcoming the issues negatively affecting not only the schools but the community. The funding provided by the COPS Secure Our Schools Program has promoted a safer learning environment at the Alternative School and the Anderson V Career Campus through funding for internal and external cameras, walk-through metal detectors, hand-held metal detectors, radar speed display signs, bus camera systems, and school safety training. |
POLICE CHIEF SWORN-IN
Jim Stewart was sworn in as the City of Anderson's new police chief during the April 8 City Council meeting. Chief Stewart brings more than 22 years of veteran experience to the job including a broad understanding of the many facets of law enforcement and manpower resources needed within the municipal operation.
“The Chief of Police is a vital position in the City’s management team. Jim’s experience and abilities in understanding the intricacies and challenges of local law enforcement, coupled with his appreciation of public safety service made him the right choice for the job,” said Moore.
“We could not be more pleased with the overall quality of the internal candidates. Given our history of trying to promote from within, we are excited about the leadership, skills, and experience that allowed us to promote from within the ranks of the department.”
The selection process included interviews with a panel comprised of two law enforcement professionals: the City of Greer Police Chief Dan Reynolds and the City of Greenwood Police Chief Gerald Brooks. Assistant City Manager Linda McConnell and Moore completed the panel. The other internal finalists were Captain Eddie Aman and Captain Stacy Blair. The selection panel acknowledged the overall quality of the internal candidates as having a desire to serve, strong law enforcement skills and leadership ability.
Chief Stewart has experience as a street level officer and management experience from patrol officer to a captain on the Command Staff. He has served as interim chief for the last eight months. Stewart is a graduate of Charleston Southern University and holds a Masters in Criminal Justice from the Command College of South Carolina at Anderson University.
Chief Stewart said, “This is an opportunity to continue to build upon the strengths of the Anderson Police Department, taking an approach to blend proven tactics with fresh perspectives. I proudly look forward to continuing to serve my home community.”
ANDERSON K9 UNIT TO RECEIVE VESTS
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The Anderson Police Department’s K9 Unit will receive two vests for officers Bandit and Deuce thanks to a nationwide animal-related Groupon event that ran March 13 through March 21, 2013. The nationwide Groupon Event for East Taunton’s Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., raised over $155,000 in eight days. Vested Interest in K9’s, Inc., was the non-profit organization and charity partner selected by Groupon Grassroots to participate. The online $10 donation suggested that anyone interested purchase a Groupon (a tax-deductible donation) through the secure website where all funds were allocated to purchase ballistic vests for our four-legged crime fighters who put their lives on the line for the community and their partner. More... |
SWEARING-IN
The following newly hired Anderson Police officers will be recognized at the City Council meeting at 6 p.m., Monday, March 11, with a swearing-in ceremony:
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Joseph Chapman (Joey) – Employed with the Anderson Police Department since 2009, Chapman’s career began in the Anderson City Detention Center as a Class II Detention Officer. Chapman received the Good Conduct Medal in 2012. In July 2012, Chapman was transferred to the Patrol Division and graduated with a Class I Certification in October 2012. |
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Chris Hudgins – Graduated in August 2009 from Tri-County Technical College with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, and also completed the certificate program for Crime Scene Investigations. Hudgins interned through Tri-County Tech with Anderson PD. Hudgins was hired at the police department in October 2009 as a detention officer. Hudgins was certified as a Class II Detention Officer at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in August 2010. Hudgins was transferred to patrol September 2012. Hudgins then graduated with a Class I Certification from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in February 2013. |
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Berry Kelley – Certified law enforcement officer since 2007, employed at Anderson County Sheriff's Office and the Williamston Police Department. Kelley has received additional training including narcotics and Advanced DUI Detection. Officer Kelley is excited about the opportunity to work for Anderson Police Department and advancing his career. |
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Lawyer Scott – Certified law enforcement officer since 1998, employed at the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. Scott has served in the capacity as a patrol deputy and a school resource officer. In March 2010, became employed with the Liberty Police Department serving as a patrol officer and school resource officer. Scott has certifications in radar, Advanced DUI Detection, datamaster, field training officer program and basic detective. Scott has received Officer of the Year and is a former member of the Anderson County Gang Task Force. |
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Adell Williford – May 2012, earned a Bachelor degree in Psychology from Anderson University. Williford graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in November 2012. Williford has a strong desire to help people and her future goals include becoming a K-9 handler. |
PROMOTIONS
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Sergeant Chris Aman (left) has been employed with the Anderson Police Department since 2008. He worked in the Anderson City Detention Facility for one-and-a-half years before transferring to the patrol division, where he has served as a field training officer since December, 2011. He has served as the crime scene technician for alpha shift for the past two years. Sergeant Aman has also received Good Conduct medals for the past two years. He has an associate’s degree in business from Tri-County Technical College. Sergeant Michael Roberson (right) has been employed with the Anderson Police Department since 2008, and as corporal since 2012. He has been a field training officer for three years. Sergeant Roberson is a 21-year, retired veteran of the United States Navy. He has an associate’s degree in laboratory technology from Southwestern Community College in Chula Vista, California. |
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SAFETY & PREVENTION TIPS
It takes less than a minute for a thief to break your car window and snatch the iPod, laptop or purse on the front seat. Don’t become a statistic. Follow these common sense habits and tips for preventing car break-ins and more. Auto Break-In Prevention Tips
ID PROTECTION
As you have probably seen on the news, in October, the South Carolina Department of Revenue learned that it was the victim of a cyber attack in mid-September. Because of this criminal hack, South Carolina residents who have paid state taxes since 1998 may have had their personal information compromised. If you have been affected by this incident, the state of South Carolina is offering the following services at no cost to you to protect you against fraud or identity theft: Details
PURCHASE A POLICE REPORT
The cost to print accident reports is $8.50 each. Please allow up to five business days from date of accident.