Sheriff's Office

Start a Watch

What A Neighborhood Watch Does

Have volunteers patrol the neighborhood and report any problems to local law enforcement like persons screaming, someone looking into cars or homes, a stranger stopping on the street talking to a child, vehicles driving slowly through the neighborhood, and/or unknown persons removing items from an unoccupied home or business.

Have special events like a "Neighborhood Cleanup Day" or a "Safety Day" to keep the homeowners interested in the program.

Final Point

At the kick-off meeting, if your neighborhood wishes to purchase official Neighborhood Street Signs, think about having a neighborhood fundraiser to support your cause.

This agency does not finance the signs or neighborhood credentials.

Brochures

Use these Flyers or Brochures as an easy way to notify your neighbors of your new Neighborhood Watch Program. Click the links below to view and print each Flyer or Brochure.

Neighborhood Watch Questions

Traffic Violations

The Selective Traffic Enforcement Unit receives hundreds of traffic complaints each year, and as a result of the high volume of complaints we receive from citizens regarding issues in their neighborhoods, we conduct focused enforcement in certain neighborhoods. We frequently rotate our enforcement to other areas.

We encourage you and your neighbors to submit your request for enforcement to your Community Liaison Representative for your area.

Animal Control & Shelter Information

When the animal's owner cannot be located, the Animal Control deputies who are trained to handle these situations involving domestic animals will remove any stray domestic animals that are unleashed in or near roadways.

This unit will transport injured domestic animals to the emergency veterinarian for treatment and conduct the necessary investigations relating to neglected or abused animals.

We encourage you and your neighbors to submit your request for enforcement to your Community Liaison Representative for your area.

Animal Shelters

During Hurricane Season you can shelter your pet by clicking on any of the below links for additional information.

Magistrate Court

Magistrate Courts handle a variety of issues, including restraining orders, traffic violations and criminal cases with punishments of a fine not exceeding $500 plus assessments or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or both.

These courts also handle landlord-tenant problems as well as claim and delivery civil actions and issuance of arrest and search warrants.

The Summary Courts Administration provides administrative support to the Centralized Preliminary and Bond Hearing Courts as well as 10 area Magistrate Courts and two Small Claims Courts.

For more information, please visit the

Charleston County Ordinances

Victim Assistance Program & Resources

As a victim, you may feel:

• Isolated - as if nobody understands your feelings
• Frustrated with the lack of information you receive
• Angry with the "system"
• A lack of control over your situation

This program offers valuable information and assistance to victims/witnesses concerning their rights under South Carolina Law.

For more information, please visit the Criminal Investigations Division or call (843) 745-2250.

Senior/Elder Abuse

Most cases of elder abuse goes undetected. Elder abuse refers to intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or "trusted" individual that lead to, or may lead to, harm of a vulnerable person. Physical Abuse; Neglect; Emotional or Psychological Abuse; Verbal Abuse and Threats; Financial Abuse and Exploitation; Sexual Abuse and Abandonment are all considered forms of elder abuse.

If you suspect an elderly person being neglected or abused report it immediately to your local law enforcement agency.

Don't assume that someone has already reported the suspicious situation. You may also visit NCEA.ACL.gov | National Center on Elder Abuse/Administration for Community Living or call Eldercare Locator at (800) 677-1116 for more information on elder abuse or neglect.

Community Programs

Charleston County Ride-A-Long

Are you curious about the job of a Deputy Sheriff? Maybe you are interested in a law enforcement career? If so, then here is the opportunity you have been waiting for. To find out how you can ride with a deputy sheriff contact the Patrol Commander at (843)762-2007.

Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) Volunteer Program

On a local level, the S.C. Emergency Management Division sponsors training for representatives from each county to become certified to train individual CERT teams within their community.

CERT teams can be comprised of neighbors, fellow employees within an industry, schools, church groups, civic organizations, etc. To qualify as a neighborhood team, at least three members from a designated area or organization need to participate in and complete the training program. To learn more, please visit the CERT website.