There has been some recent vandalism in the community. Some personal items were stolen from an owner’s vehicle last Wednesday evening. If you see any suspicious behavior, call the police immediately.
How to report a crime or "suspicious activity"?
City of
FAQ: How do I report a crime or "suspicious activity?"
The most obvious answer is "Dial 911". The Dispatch/Administrative line is 577-7434 On a land-line phone 911 will put you in touch with your local law enforcement agency, whoever they may be. The Dispatch screen shows your phone number, address, and phone owner. Dialing 911 on a cell-phone, you must tell your location so the dispatcher can make sure the proper law enforcement agency is notified (the tower your phone called through may be in a different jurisdiction).It is preferred that "911" be reserved for true emergencies. The local number to reach Charleston Police Communications (Dispatch) is 577-7434. The same dispatchers are responsible for both phone lines, but they are supposed to answer 911 first since it is supposed to be an emergency. Dialing 911 provides dispatchers with the phone number, address, and name of the property owner. Dialing the 577-7434 number does not automatically provide this information. The caller CAN remain anonymous on the 577-7434 line, but in order for officers to provide the best service, it is asked that the caller at least provide a call-back number so the dispatcher or responding officer can reach you for clarification regarding suspect or vehicle descriptions, locations, or direction of flight.
What if I just have information to give on something that might be a crime?
First, know that a person looking into cars or tampering with them, or prowling around a house is likely a crime in-progress and 911 should be called. If it is something where time is not of the essence, there are several avenues you can use.
First is still the 577-7434 number to tell an officer directly about something you suspect. An officer will either be sent to you, or can call you about the information (suspected drug activity, a party with possible underage drinking, etc.).
Another avenue for suspected drug activity or some ongoing vice violation would be to call the 577-7434 number and ask for the Special Investigations office. If you leave a message it will be returned as soon as possible. They will discuss your observations and decide how to best investigate it.
Finally, CrimeStoppers of the Lowcountry is a completely anonymous route to get an investigation started. Usually, they are not who you would call for something urgent, but if they get urgent information they will act on it. They have three reporting methods. First is by simply calling 554-1111. Your call will either go to the local call center office, or be routed to a call center in
Method #2 involves doing the same thing through the CrimeStoppers website www.5541111.com . (remember, no dash-mark!). IP addresses get washed through special computers. No traceability.
Method #3 is Texting to CrimeStoppers. On your cell, text to 274637 (CRIMES) and type "TIPS 213", then proceed with your information. Your message gets "washed" or encrypted through a special computer removing your phone number. You will get a reply with your tip number. They can even have a 2 way text conversation asking different details, all without ever being able to actually retrieve your cell phone number. The reward process works about the same as above.
Thank you,
Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)
Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager
349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329
