New Crime Scene/Mobile Command Post Vehicle
The Florence Police Department has recently received its new Crime Scene/Mobile Command Post Vehicle. The vehicle and subsequent upgrading was paid for through a Department of Justice grant obtained by the FPD last year. The new mobile command vehicle is designed to aide with rapid collection of highly technical evidence and immediate release of information—all without investigators having to leave the crime scene. The vehicle can also serve as an incident command post during any major police operation.
Says Police Chief Anson Shells, “We can now share information with other law enforcement agencies and the media, almost instantaneously, while still on the scene. We’ll be able to take back those precious hours, minutes and even seconds that can make a crucial difference-maybe even a life or death difference - in the ability to solve a crime.
Florence Police Department Receives CALEA Accreditation
The City of Florence receives certificate from Commission for Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies on April 7, 2005. Left to right: David N. Williams - Florence City Manager, Charles P. Austin, Sr. - Columbia City Manager, Chief Anson E. Shells – Florence Police Department, Frank E. Willis, Mayor - City of Florence.
In December 2004, the Florence Police Department received accreditation from the internationally-recognized Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), becoming one of only twenty-three CALEA-accredited agencies on South Carolina. To receive accreditation, the Florence Police Department was required to comply with 446 standards set forth by the commission. These standards touched on every facet of the department from administrative and operational services to promotions and pursuits. By voluntarily meeting these standards, the Florence Police Department has shown itself willing to be held to a higher degree of professionalism, building trust between the department and the people it serves. The Florence Police Department takes pride not only in being a law enforcement agency that has earned national recognition, but also in being an agency that has earned the trust and respect of its community.
In September 2007, the Florence Police Department will be re-inspected to ensure continued compliance with CALEA’s standards. With the sustained commitment and support of its employees and fellow citizens, the Florence Police Department will continue to enjoy an accredited status.