Police Patrol Division
The Patrol Division is charged with the primary responsibility for all law enforcement activities within the community. The Patrol Division's mission is to preserve the peace, protect life and property against the effects of criminal activity and to ensure the safety of the motoring public by enforcing all traffic laws.
The Patrol Division is commanded by a Major, who reports directly to the Inspector. In August 2003, the Patrol Division significant historical changes occurred with the establishment of North and South Regional Headquarters. This changed marked the decentralization of patrol services and placed the officers where they need to be- in the community we serve. The Patrol Division is composed of the the North Region, the South Region and the Special Services Unit.
The uniformed police officers are the most visible and readily identifiable representatives of the City of Florence. They represent the Police Department's first responders to emergency and non-emergency situations 24-hours a day. For all Police, Fire, and EMS emergencies call 911.
For non-emergencies that require a police response, call (843) 665-3191.
For general information, questions, complaints, contacting officers or employees, messages or other concerns, call (843) 665-3191.
Regional Patrol Headquarters & Special Services Units
NORTH REGION
The North Region is located in the former Senior Citizens Center at 303 Athens Street and is commanded by a Lieutenant. The police officers assigned to the North Region are responsible for the peacekeeping function and patrolling the area north of Cherokee Avenue to deter criminal activity. The North Region patrol officers work 12 hour shifts: Day Watch (7:00am-7:00pm hours) and Evening Shift (7:00pm-7:00am hours). Each shift is comprised of sergeant supervisors, corporal assistant supervisors, and patrol officers. The North Region is divided into three districts (Delta, Echo, and Fox) and each officer is responsible for their assigned areas. The officer's duties include answering calls for service, preliminary investigation of criminal activity, special watch orders on residences and businesses during non-business hours and become actively involved in their communities.
The non-emergencies, general information, complaints, contacting North Region officers, messages or concerns, call (843) 665-3234 or 665-3060. The fax telephone number is (843) 665-3073.
North Region Headquarters
303 Athens St.
Florence S.C.
Commander:
Lt. Llewellyn Jordan
Telephone numbers
665-3234
665-3969
665-3970
SOUTH REGION
The South Region Headquarters is located at 1811 S. Irby Street and is commanded by a Lieutenant. The police officers assigned to the South Region are responsible for the peacekeeping function and patrolling the area south of Cherokee Avenue to deter criminal activity. The South Region patrol officers work 12 hour shifts: Day Watch (6:00am-6:00pm hours) and Evening Shift (6:00pm-6:00am hours). Each shift is comprised of sergeant supervisors, corporal assistant supervisors, and patrol officers. The South Region is divided into three districts (Adam, Baker, and Charlie) and each officer is responsible for their assigned areas. The officer's duties include answering calls for service, preliminary investigation of criminal activity, special watch orders on residences and businesses during non-business hours and become actively involved in their communities.
The non-emergencies, general information, complaints, contacting South Region officers, messages or concerns, call (843)665-3016 or 665-2238. The fax telephone number is (843)665-3024.
South Region Headquarters
1811 S. Irby St.
Florence S.C.
Commander: Lt James Rodgers
Telephone numbers
665-3016
665-3024
665-2238
SPECIAL SERVICES UNIT
The Special Services Unit is located in the basement of the City-County Complex located at 180 N. Irby Street and is commanded by a lieutenant. The The Special Services Unit includes the Traffic Division, Canine/Warrant Team, Downtown/Bike Patrol Unit, Complex Security Unit, Transportation Unit, and Animal Control. Each unit has its own specific area of operation and responsibilities.
For non-emergencies, general information, complaints, contacting Special Services Unit officers, messages or concerns, call (843) 665-3191. The fax telephone number is (843)676-8851.
Commander:
Lt. Sam Toney
TRAFFIC UNIT
The Traffic Unit is commanded by a Sergeant. The Traffic Unit is responsible for investigating traffic accidents, enforcing all motor vehicle laws, issuing citations if necessary, DUI enforcement, and educating the public on traffic safety. All traffic officers receive specialized training in the areas of traffic accident investigation, accident reconstruction, fatality accident investigation, radar certification, and Datamaster (Breathalyzer) certification.
The Traffic Unit is comprised of a sergeant supervisor, corporal assistant supervisor, traffic officers and civilian crossing guards. The equipment used by the Traffic Unit includes police cars and Harley Davidson Motorcycles. All motorcycle officers receive special training to operate their motorcycles as well as its equipment.
School Crossing Guards are assigned to specific intersections for school children to cross safely. These guards are given a block of instruction in school crossing safety and issued safety equipment and are employed for their school year. During the summer, the school guards are used as park monitors to ensure our parks are safe for our citizens. They also assist with traffic control during parades and other special events.
CANINE/WARRANT UNIT
The Canine/Warrant Unit consists of two dogs with very different missions. Our drug/patrol dog is a Belgian Malinois named "Drago" and our tracking dog is a bloodhound named "Tracker". The drug/patrol dog is a very effective tool for police officers in the fight against illegal drugs. The drug dog is used by the Patrol Division to detect illegal drugs in vehicles, buildings, wooded areas, and on an individual person. The bloodhound, with a keen sense of smell, can track and locate a fleeing suspect. The bloodhound not only saves us valuable man-hours but also has the potential to save an officers life by alerting the dog handler to a possible suspect lurking in a building or in the woods. The bloodhound is especially helpful when looking for a missing adult or juvenile.
The Canine/Warrant Unit is responsible for serving warrants issued within the city limits of Florence.
The officers assigned to this unit work directly with the Court system as well as Probation and Parole.
DOWNTOWN/BIKE PATROL UNIT
The Downtown/Bike Unit is responsible for improving the quality of life and deterring criminal activities for our citizens and businesses in the downtown area. The officers patrol the downtown area on foot, bicycles, and Honda Elite 80 Motor Scooters. The unit is very proactive in community oriented policing focusing on community problem solving and partnerships. Officers assigned to this area also work on special details such as drug enforcement, traffic, warrant teams and other special activities.
COMPLEX SECURITY UNIT
The Complex Security Unit is commanded by a corporal. The Complex Security Unit is responsible for building security and the safety and welfare of all employees and visitors to the City-County Complex. The hours of operation are 7:00am-6:00pm hours Monday thru Friday.
The unit is comprised of a corporal supervisor and Class III Police Officers. These officers are trained in physical security, personnel security, fingerprinting, and the operation of X-Ray Machines and metal detectors to ensure no weapons or explosive devices are brought into the building. All Complex Officers are responsible for writing reports for individuals who walk-in the Police Station to report a crime. All Class III Police Officers are graduates of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.
TRANSPORTATION UNIT
The Transportation Unit is responsible for transporting prisoners, juveniles, and mental patients to the appropriate facility. The unit was formed to ensure we have police officers remain on the street rather than transporting prisoners or patients. The officers assigned to this unit are Class III officers and the hours of operations are Monday through Friday from 8am-11pm.
ANIMAL CONTROL UNIT
The Animal Control Unit is responsible for enforcing state law and City Ordinances regarding animals. All animals must be on a leash, chain, on in a fenced enclosure.
Leaving an animal unattended for a lengthy period of time, starving or abusing an animal can result in the confiscation of the animal, issuance of a summons, and fines. Stray animals are taken to the Humane Society (HS) of Stockade Road. The HS collects the impoundment fee(s) of $25.00 plus $5.00 per day room and board. Proof of rabies in also required or there is an additional $50.00 fine
For animal bites and quarantines, Animal Control responds and confiscates the animal pending the notification of Florence County Environmental Services who handles these types of complaints and levy fines to the owner. A 10-day quarantine period is required. For more information, call Animal Control at (843) 665-3175, the Humane Society at (843) 669-2921, or Florence County Environmental Control at (843) 665-3043.