When the S.C. Department of Public Safety implemented an incentive for law enforcement agencies across the state to take an active role in two very important, high-visibility traffic safety campaigns, "Buckle Up South Carolina" and "Sober or Slammer," the Columbia College Police Department stepped up to the challenge.
Participating agencies competed for points in the areas of public information and education, training for law enforcement officers, law enforcement agency policies, enforcement activity reported, community safety belt usage rate, and public safety checkpoints conducted.
The Columbia College Police Department was awarded first place for Colleges and Universities in South Carolina and received $6000 in new equipment, including a laser radar and a mobile vision camera. The Clemson University Police Department took second place, and the Presbyterian College Department of Public Safety came in third.
Columbia College Vice President Mark Hall said, "Campus law enforcement is a difficult assignment, as officers must balance state statutes with the college's need to foster a strong campus community. Columbia College is fortunate to have a dedicated group of officers who truly care about our faculty, staff and students."
The 16-member Columbia College Police Department is led by Chief Howard M. Cook.
