Major Karen Acosta

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. The Division is composed of the Uniformed Patrol Unit, Traffic Unit, Complex Security Unit, Downtown/Bike Patrol Unit, and Animal Control Unit. Each unit has its own specific area of operation and responsibilities.

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)669-3911.

For general information, questions, complaints, contacting officers or employees, messages or other concerns, call (843)665-3191.

UNIFORMED PATROL UNIT

The Uniformed Patrol Unit is commanded by a Lieutenant. The Uniformed Patrol is responsible for the peacekeeping function and patrolling our community to deter criminal activity. The Uniformed Patrol Unit is divided into three shifts: Day Watch (7:00am-5:00pm hours), Evening Shift (3:00pm-1:00am hours), and Midnight Shift (10:00pm-8:00am hours). Each shift is comprised of sergeant supervisors, corporal assistant supervisors, and patrol officers. The City is divided into six districts 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.

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 serveant 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 work as park monitors to ensure our parks are safe for our citizens. They also assist with traffic control during parades and other special events.

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 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 Class III Police Officers attend the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.

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.

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)665-3191, the Humane Society at (843)669-2921, or Florence County Environmental Control at (843)665-3043.

24-HOUR SERVICE: The Patrol Division represents the Police Department’s first responders to emergency and non emergency situations 24-hours a day.

EMERGENCIES: When emergency services are needed, the countywide E-911 number and computer aided dispatch system helps centralized dispatchers to efficiently assign units to call. For all Police, Fire, and EMS emergencies call 911.

NON-EMERGENCIES: For non-emergencies that require a police response, call (843) 669-3911.

GENERAL INFORMATION: For non-emergencies, general information, questions, contacting officers or employees, messages or other concerns call (843) 665-3191.

STAFF: The Patrol Division consists of a Division Commander, an Assistant Division Commander, a Watch Commander, Shift and Unit Supervisors, and police subordinates. The Patrol Division consists of three different shifts of Patrol Officers, Traffic Officers, Bike Officers, Animal Control Units and Complex Police. This division is the heart and soul of the Department. For more information call (843) 665-3191.

ANIMAL CONTROL: All animals in the City of Florence must be on a leash, chain, or in a fenced enclosure. Failure to comply with this may result in the confiscation of your animal, issuance of a summons, and fines. For more information, call (843)665-3191.

ANIMAL CRUELTY: Leaving an animal unattended for a lengthy period of time, starving or abusing an animal can result in confiscation of the animal, issuance of a summons, and fines.

REDEMPTION OF STRAY ANIMALS: Stray animals are taken to the Humane Society (HS) on Stockade Road. The HS collects the impoundment fee(s) of $25.00 plus $5.00 per day room and board. Proof of rabies vaccination is also required or there is an additional $50.00 fine. For more information contact Animal Control at (843) 665-3191 or the Humane Society at (843) 669-2921.

ANIMAL BITES/QUARANTINE FEES: Animal Control responds; confiscates the animal pending the notification and response of Florence County Environmental Services who handles these types of complaints and levies fines to the owner. A 10-day quarantine period is required. For more information call Animal Control at (843) 665-3191 or the Human Society at (843) 669-2921.

TRAFFIC ESCORTS: These are provided for funerals and parades. Escorts can be requested by calling the Traffic Unit at (843) 665-3191.

SPECIAL PATROL REQUEST: Citizens who will be out of town can request an extra patrol while they are away. Please call the Police Desk at (843) 665-3191 anytime.