News Summary
The Florence County Street Crime Unit has reported significant success in addressing rising crime rates, arresting 234 fugitives and seizing over 371 guns since its inception in 2022. With dedicated officers patrolling high-crime areas, community support remains crucial in enhancing public safety. Sheriff T.J. Joye expresses pride in the unit’s performance while plans for personnel expansion may bolster their efforts. Ongoing challenges remain, including recent violent incidents that underline the importance of continued collaboration between law enforcement and community leaders.
Florence County Street Crime Unit Sees Major Success Amid Rising Crime Rates
In the vibrant city of Florence, a significant focus has been placed on tackling crime in the community, especially since the pandemic has seen a rise in violent incidents. The Florence County Street Crime Unit, operational for almost three years, has been making a remarkable impact and showcasing some impressive numbers that highlight their success.
Unit’s Impressive Track Record
Since its formation in August 2022, the unit has arrested nearly 234 fugitives, demonstrating its commitment to curbing crime in the area. The team consists of 14 dedicated officers from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and the Florence Police Department. Collectively, they have shifted their focus toward high-crime areas throughout the City of Florence and the wider Florence County.
In their ongoing efforts, they have seized a staggering 371 guns and confiscated various drugs, including heroin, marijuana, and cocaine pills. The unit has also uncovered more than $52,000 in cash believed to be linked to criminal activity. These numbers speak volumes about the dedication and hard work the team has put into making their community a safer place to live.
An Encouraging Approach to Safety
Sheriff T.J. Joye has expressed pride in how well the unit has performed, stating that they have exceeded expectations in addressing crime rates. He has pointed out that actively patrolling high-crime areas has been crucial to achieving their success. With an expansive area of 804 square miles to cover, he plans to request the addition of two more officers to the team, which would allow for even greater presence and engagement in the community.
A Community Effort
The efforts of the street crime unit have received support from community leaders, including Rev. Leo Woodberry, who emphasizes the importance of strengthening community engagement with local law enforcement. This collaboration between the police and the public is vital in reducing crime rates and improving overall community relations. It’s clear that the partnership is working as the unit has been recognized as the Street Level Interdiction Team of the Year by the National Interdiction Conference in August 2023.
Ongoing Challenges
While the street crime unit celebrates its successes, the fight against crime continues. Recently, a disturbing incident on Carver Street resulted in the arrest of Antonio Williamson, who faces charges of attempted murder after a shooting that occurred during an argument. Law enforcement discovered two .45 caliber shell casings in his yard, along with a handgun and a live rifle round in his trash. Due to his criminal history, Williamson is currently being held without bond at the Florence County Detention Center.
Additionally, another suspect, Dwight Jenkins, has been arrested in connection with the same incident, leading to further charges against both men, including multiple counts of attempted murder. These developments highlight that while the street crime unit is making great strides, challenges still exist in maintaining public safety.
A Community Looking Ahead
The commitment of the Florence County Street Crime Unit, backed by community support, aims to continue enhancing public safety. With ongoing police efforts and future expansions in personnel, the hope is to keep crime rates down and foster a safer environment for all residents of this bustling community.
Florence County continues to actively address crime issues, reassuring its residents that their safety remains a top priority.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Florence Man Accused of Opening Fire
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- WBTW News: No Foul Play Suspected in Condo Fire
- Google Search: Florence Crime Rate
- WPDE: Man Arrested for Home Invasion in Florence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- FitsNews: Woman Who Set Husband on Fire Goes Missing
- Google News: Florence County Crime
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
