"Strengthen existing laws. Create meaningful enforcement mechanisms. And fund those mechanisms in a manner commensurate with their status as a core function of government."
New Charleston police recruits Dylan Kwitchoff and Thomas McNamara practice techniques in a defensive-tactics class as part of the city s pre-academy program Tuesday, March 5, 2019, in Charleston. South Carolina technical colleges could soon offer classes for law enforcement recruits. Grace Beahm Alford/Staff By Grace Beahm Alford gbeahm@postandcourier.com
South Carolina technical colleges could soon offer classes for law enforcement recruits under a plan that seeks to boost educational offerings for prospective officers and ease the burden on police agencies in need of manpower.
The move would increase instructional time for new officers while allowing them to earn credits toward a college degree. Whatâs more, state scholarship money would cover the tuition costs for many, easing the strain on local police departmentsâ budgets, according to a copy of the plan obtained by The Post and Courier.
By Lauren Petracca lpetracca@postandcourier.com
GOOSE CREEKÂ â Law enforcement in this fast-growing suburb is quietly undergoing a profound transformation, driven by a trailblazing top cop whose agenda has drawn both raves and resentment from the rank-and-file.
L.J. Roscoe, the Charleston regionâs first female and openly LGBTQ police chief, took the helm nearly two years ago with a mandate to reshape a police department that hadnât seen a new leader in three decades. And bring about change she has.
Under Roscoe, the Goose Creek Police Department has markedly expanded community policing, getting officers out of their cruisers and into neighborhoods to interact with residents. Sheâs helped build bridges between police and the cityâs growing minority populations. Sheâs boosted diversity in the department, improved officer training and updated police practices. During her first year on the job, violent crime tumbled more than 14 percent.