Police
Chief of Police Neil Henderson
Chief's Message
Mission Statement
Divisions
Municipal Court
Employment
Crime Prevention Tips
Contact Information
Message
It is my honor to serve as Chief of Police in the City of Abbeville, a diverse community with a rich history and an exciting future. Our tradition of community policing means that we listen to what you have to say. We respond to complaints and seek out long term solutions to neighborhood problems and challenges. Day in and day out, our officers are ready and prepared to respond quickly to emergencies throughout the City. As a result of the excellent work done by our employees, and through collaboration with citizens and community groups, we saw crime drop in many categories last year. While challenges remain in some areas, I am confident we are on the right track.
The men and women of the Abbeville Police Department are committed to serving you our customer. Whether you work or live in Abbeville or are just visiting, you should know that we stand ready to serve. Of course, we cannot do it alone. We need your help in reporting suspicious activity and crime, becoming and remaining involved in your neighborhood, and sharing information with us to preserve order and safety.
I am proud to serve as Chief of Police. On behalf of the members of the Abbeville Police Department, thank you for working with us to make Abbeville a safe place to work and live.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Abbeville Police Department is responsible for promoting the safety of the community and the feeling of security among the citizens of Abbeville, primarily through the detterence, prevention of crime and the aprehension of offenders. The Police Department staff is entrusted with the enforement of all laws and ordinances set forth, and to provide service that is fair, honest, prompt, cooperative, helpful, sensitive, and done so on a courteous manner to the satisfaction of the citizens of Abbeville.
Divisions
Uniform Patrol
Uniform patrol is the "core" of the department and is the first to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service in the City. Officers routinely conduct preliminary investigations of crimes, enformce traffic laws and promote safety in the City of Abbeville. Officers are also tasked with conducting property checks on residences when owners are out of town as well as property checks on businesses during non-business hours. Patrol officers also target street level crimes in all neighborhoods within the City, which is important in helping neighborhoods become a safe place and their work increases the quality of life in these areas.
Investigative Division
The Investigative Division is divided into Criminal investigation and Narcotic investigation. The Criminal Investigator has a history of excellence in solving difficult cases throughout the City, which is in part accomplished through community involvement. The Narcotic Investigator focuses on interdiction and seizure of illegal drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamines, and date and club rave drugs. The Narcotic Division can only be successful if its efforts are supported by the community, so if you have any information please call our anonymous tip line at (864) 366-5834.
Animal Control
Animal Control supports the plice department and community by enforcing State laws and City ordinances regarding animal well-being and animal nuisance. The Animal Control Control responds to all types of calls such as continuous barking, running at large, animal cruelty and also provides traps for stray animal control within the City. You many contact the Animal Control Officer at (864) 366-8451, or visit the Abbeville Area Animal Shelter located near the City's Wastewater plant at ? South Main Street.
Special Response Team
The Special Response Team is a specialized unit which is trained to perform dangerous operations, including serving high-risk arrest/search warrants, performing hostage rescue, and engaging heavily armed criminals. The Special Response Team trains on a monthly basis and members volunteer their time.
Records Division
The Records Division is reponsible for maintaining all records required by South Carolina Law, including all arrest, warrants, ticket and fingerprint records. This office also performs employment and housing disseminations. The records office is open Monday thru Friday 8:30 to 5:00. Disseminations can be obtained on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 to 4:00 for a fee of $2.00.
Victim's Advocate Services
The following services are available through the Victim's Advocate Office:
- Information and explanation about the criminal justice system and its procedures
- Ensure the rights of all victims are being met
- Accompaniment to court during, and after, the trial or plea, or for post-sentencing
- Moral and emotional support
- Assist eligible vicitims in preparing Victim Compensation forms and processing with State Office of Victim Assistance
- Property Recovery assistance for items being held as evidence by the police
- Employment intervention to explain time missed from work due to any court appearances
- Referrals to Social Service Agencies, counselors, or others who can assist with emergency needs or professional problems
- Assistance with any victims' problems or anxieties resulting from the crime
- Counseling referrals to help crime victims cope with the aftermath of a crime
- Assistance in completing an Impact Statement
Contact the Victim's Advocate Office at (864) 366-5832.
School Resource Officers
The Department currently employs two School Resource Officers who are assigned to Abbeville High School and Wright Middle School. The following is a highlight of some of the many duties these Officers provide to our community schools:
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Three roles used to define what SRO's do in schools: law enforcement officer, law related counselor, law related education teacher.
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SRO's maintain close relationships with the pricipals and
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SRO's work cloasely with parents, students and members of the faculty and community.
Municipal Court
Municipal Court hours are Monday at 6 p.m., Wednesday at 8 a.m., and Thursday at 3 p.m. Court is not held on holidays recognized by the City of Abbeville. To learn what those holidays are, visit the City Calendar.
Bond Hearings are held on an as needed basis each day at 8:30 and 4:30 p.m. Clerk of Court office hours are Monday thru Friday, 8:30 to 5:30. For more information about Municipal Court operations, contact the Police Department at (864) 366-5832.
Employment
Applications for employment with the City of Abbeville Police Department can be obtained at City Hall located at 100 Court Square, or by downloanding the Employment Application. The application process includes the following:
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Oral interview board
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Psychological screening
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Background investigation
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Drug Screen
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Medical/physical exam
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Physical agility test
Applicants also must be:
Employees must complete nine weeks of intensive training at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in Columbia. Upon graduation, Officers will be assigned to shift and field training where they will continue their law enforcement training. In-service training towards recertification is required serveral times during the year. The City of Abbeville has a tremendous benefit package, including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Holidays, Vacation and Sick Leave. Also, The Abbeville Police Department recently increased police salaries to keep them competitve with the surrounding area. If you are interested in employment with the City of Abbeville Police Department, contact the department at (864) 366-5832.
Crime Prevention Tips
Download a copy of the Police Department's Crime Prevention Tips.
Contact Information
Emergency Calls: Dial 911
In Person, visit our office at 102 South Main Street during normal operating hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday.
Non-emergency calls: (864) 366-5832
Animal Control: (864) 366-8451
Crime Tip Line: (864) 366-5834
Fax: (864) 366-8451
Police Department Complaint Form