South Carolina Police Chief - Spring 26 - v7n1

SOUTH CAROLINA Police Chief

Executive Board

PRESIDENT

Chief Josh Detter

Holly Hill Police Department

VICE PRESIDENT

Chief Chris Watts

Rock Hill Police Department

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

Chief William “Skip” Holbrook

Columbia Police Department

LOWCOUNTRY REGION

Chief Kevin Cornett

Isle of Palms Police Department

SECRETARY / TREASURER

Chief Thomas Griffin

Chapin Police Department

PEE DEE REGION

Chief James Allen

Timmonsville Police Department

PAST PRESIDENT

Chief Dana Crowell

North Myrtle Beach Police Department

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mr. John E. “JJ” Jones

S.C. Police Chiefs’ Association

MIDLANDS REGION

Chief Frankie Neeley

Pine Ridge Police Department

PIEDMONT REGION

Chief Kevin Goodman

Newberry Police Department

Dear fellow Chiefs,

President’s Message

It is an honor and a privilege to address you as President of the South Carolina Police Chiefs Association. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge our outgoing president, Chief Dana Crowell, for her inspiring leadership and dedication. I will most definitely have some very large shoes to fill!

Each day, the men and women of law enforcement across our state demonstrate courage, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. Our association exists to support that mission — by strengthening leadership, advancing best practices, and ensuring that every agency in South Carolina has the tools and knowledge needed to meet today’s challenges.

Across our state, law enforcement is navigating an era of rapid change. Expectations of transparency, evolving legal standards, recruitment and retention pressures, and an increasingly complex public safety landscape demand that we lead with clarity, integrity, and innovation. I am proud to say that our chiefs continue to rise to the occasion.

This year, our association is focused on three key priorities:

1. Strengthening the Future of Our Profession

Through enhanced training, leadership development, and partnerships with state and

national organizations, we are investing in the next generation of law enforcement leaders. Our goal is to ensure that South Carolina remains at the forefront of policing excellence.

2. Supporting Officer Wellness and Resilience

Our people are our greatest asset. SCPCA is helping by expanding resources and programs that prioritize mental health, peer support, and wellness for all who wear the badge. Healthy officers build healthy communities.

3. Enhancing Community Trust

Building meaningful relationships through transparency, communication, and collaboration remains at the heart of effective policing. We will continue to champion initiatives that strengthen trust between our agencies and the citizens we serve.

As we move forward, I am inspired by the dedication within this association. Your leadership — often under difficult circumstances — makes a profound difference in South Carolina. I encourage each of you to remain connected, share ideas, ask questions, and support one another. Together, we shape the future of policing in our state. Thank you for your steadfast service to your communities and your commitment to our

President Joshua Detter

profession. I look forward to the year ahead and to the continued progress we will make as one united association.

Yours in Public Service,

Joshua H. Detter, President South Carolina Police Chiefs Association

Executive Director’s Message

Chiefs of Police and SCPCA Supporters,

The year 2025 ended with a bang at the South Carolina Police Chief’s Association Leadership Conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Mrs. Jenny Lewis, Mr. Rick Lewis, Mr. John Fabian, the Marriott Staff, and a whole host of volunteers made the 2025 conference one of the best so far.

Our President, Chief Dana Crowell, and the entire SCPCA board did a phenomenal job of planning and executing a conference with over 150 chiefs from across South Carolina.

Our speakers and special guest, Sheriff Grady Judd, did a phenomenal job of helping our chiefs become better leaders in South Carolina. We learned, we networked, and we focused on growing South Carolina to be a stronger state and a safer place for our families to live Of course, this conference could not happen without those sponsors that are there for us every year.

A special thank you to our Diamond and Platinum Sponsors:

Coca-Cola Consolidated

CPI Security

Hendrick Automotive Group

AXON

The Police App

Flock Safety

QT

Brannen Motor Company

Peregrine Technologies

These sponsors came to the table to make this conference possible.

Our legislative season is about halfway through for 2026. We have had some wins and we still have some mountains to climb. We still have some important bills we are working on to help law enforcement in South Carolina. Some legislation of note include the THC/ hemp bill on consumables, Hyco‘s bill for canines, the Halo bill providing a security net for officers, as well as a host of other bills that are in committee, subcommittee, and awaiting votes.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the State House as we host Chiefs Day under the dome on March 24th. We have several other events to include our Bi-monthly Chiefs trainers and our 2026 conference that is scheduled for October 1-4 at the Marriott Grand Dunes in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

I hope to see you all soon and know that I appreciate the opportunity to represent you in Columbia and across South Carolina.

Executive Director John E. “JJ” Jones

MYRTLE BEACH

2026 SCPCA Chiefs Day at the Capitol

Chiefs of Police from across South Carolina joined Governor McMaster at the S.C. State House on March 24, 2026, in Columbia. Thank you to all members of the Senate, House of Representatives, S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson, and Governor Henry McMaster for welcoming us to the State House. Our President, Chief Josh Detter, addressed the attendees and presented Governor McMaster with our patch and coin. Thank you to our corporate partners at The Police App and retired Sheriff John Ingram and retired Deputy Tyler Trantham for sponsoring our meal.

Columbia Police Department Swears In BCS Grads

Editor’s Note: The following is part of the script used to address the Columbia Police Department’s Basic Candidate School class dring its swearin-in ceremony January 29, 2026.

Today marks the completion of the first of three critical phases in your journey to becoming Columbia Police Officers. Over the past 12 weeks, you have committed yourselves to a demanding program designed not only to build technical proficiency, but also to shape character, judgment, and leadership. You have been trained for the realities of modern policing — where competence must be matched with compassion and authority must be exercised with accountability.

During Basic Candidate School (BCS), you trained extensively in ICAT de-escalation principles, EVOC driving, Taser and firearms proficiency, and meaningful citizen engagement. Just as importantly, you learned how to serve diverse communities — people of different backgrounds, beliefs, and lived experiences — with dignity, empathy, and respect. In today’s America, those skills are not optional; they are essential.

As you move forward to the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, you will spend the next eight weeks earning your Class I Law Enforcement Officer Certification. Officer Swisher will move into specific park ranger training and CPD field training. At the academy, you will deepen your understanding of state law, tactic tactical decisionmaking, ethical responsibility, and community-focused policing. When you return to Columbia for

field training, you will put theory into practice — working alongside experienced Lance Corporals in our neighborhoods, responding to real calls, and making real-time decisions that matter. That is where policing becomes real. You will see firsthand how policy meets practice, how training guides judgment, and how courage and compassion must coexist in every interaction. Class 77-25, you represent the Columbia Police Department — and this city — exceptionally well. Though small in number, this class is strong in purpose and rich in

perspective. You reflect the community we serve, and that diversity is not just a value — it is a strength. It allows us to police more fairly, communicate more effectively, and serve more authentically.

We must also be honest about the moment we are policing in now. Law enforcement today operates under intense public scrutiny, shaped by national conversations, social media, and real concerns about trust and accountability. Some question our legitimacy or misunderstand our mission. That reality does not discourage us — it

challenges us to be better. Legitimacy is not demanded by a badge; it is earned through behavior. It is built one interaction at a time — through fairness, professionalism, transparency, and respect. Every call you respond to, every traffic stop, every conversation on a sidewalk or front porch is an opportunity to strengthen trust or weaken it. Choose wisely. Choose empathy. Choose consistency.

You are joining a department that embraces 21st-century policing—one that values innovation, leverages technology, uses data and intelligence responsibly, and prioritizes de-escalation whenever possible. However, no tool, no technology, and no policy can replace what matters most: your character, your integrity, and your commitment to service.

At its core, policing is about guardianship. It’s about protecting life, upholding rights and serving people— especially on their worst days. Never lose sight of that responsibility.

Represent Columbia with honor. Serve with humility. Lead with integrity. Make a difference — every single day.

Swearing In Ceremony (continued)

Chiefs Attend Records Management System Open House

Chiefs of police from across South Carolina converged on the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy on Friday, February 6, for a Records Management System Open House. As many of our law enforcement officers and leaders prepare for the end of Lawtrak, several departments are testing alternative systems to find the right fit. We had 85 chiefs and law enforcement representatives listen to presentations and go hands-on with several new systems. Chiefs in attendance enjoyed presentations from 14 RMS providers. Cantey Consulting, Inc. also joined our chiefs and sponsored lunch. We offer a special “thank you” to SCPCA Past President, Chief Jackie Swindler, for opening the Academy doors and providing such a great venue for our chiefs to explore their futures.

Laurens, Holly Hill Host Bi-Monthly Training

On December 9th, 2025, Laurens Police Chief Heath Copeland welcomed chiefs to their department for our final 2025 Bi-Monthly Chiefs of Police Trainer. We enjoyed speakers from SLED’s Dog Fighting Unit and Solicitor David Stumbo. We appreciate our partner John Ingram of Essential Personnel for sponsoring our BBQ lunch.

The SCPCA held a Bi-Monthly Chiefs Trainer at the Holly Hill Train Depot on February 18, 2026. We enjoyed speakers from the DEA, Clemson Police Department, and a State House update from Executive Director JJ Jones. Thank you DEA ASAC Michael Tooley and Chief Jorge Campos for leading our training. We hosted 45 chiefs of police from across the state. Our chiefs also enjoyed a barbecue meal catered by Sweatman’s BBQ. Thank you, Chief Josh Detter and Mayor Michael Dennis for hosting our Chiefs and we look forward to our next event in North Augusta.

2025 SCPCA Leadership Conference

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Sheriff Grady Judd

Chiefs of Police from across South Carolina were offered a treat at the 2025 SCPCA Leadership Conference to be joined by Sheriff Grady Judd from Polk County, Florida. Sheriff Polk shared his style of media relations and explained how he has been knick-named America’s Plain Talking Sheriff.

Sheriff Judd kicked off the conference with an introduction from our president, Chief Dana Crowell. Sheriff Judd shared that he found “telling it like it is” has made him a six-term sheriff. He shared his social media policies and brought his special touch to our opening ceremony.

Axon Exhibit Hall

Axon Night

Thank you, Axon, for sponsoring Chris Jones for our Saturday Night Networking event. We enjoyed tunes and celebrated another successful conference with our partners at the Marriott Grande Dunes Hotel.

Szechuan Chinese Restaurant

2300 Church Street, Unit 70

Conway (843) 865-6084

Quick Pantry #16

232 Calhoun Avenue

Greenwood (864) 227-1561

Conway Smoke & Vape 1608 9th Avenue

Conway (843) 915-0230

Szechuan Chinese Restaurant

2300 Church Street, Unit 70

Conway (843) 865-6084

Mario Bar & Grille

305 S. Buncombe Road

Greer (864) 469-6610

2698 Hwy 90

Conway (843) 347-6666

Cuba Bar & Grill 70 Hwy 17 S

North Myrtle Beach (843) 273-4976

SCPCA Youth Event

The SCPCA always looks forward to our family event every year. Our chiefs kids got to play their hand at video games, billiards, bowling and pizza! Thank you North Greenville University for sponsoring our SCPCA Family Outing. The kids had a blast at 810 Entertainment.

SCPCA Conference (continued)

SCPCA Spouses Event

SCPCA Spouses event was a huge success. Thank you Extra Duty Solutions for sponsoring the spouses for a tasting and charcuterie building class.

SCPCA Banquet

Attendees enjoyed a great banquet at the Marriott Grand Dunes as the new president and officers were sworn in for 2026.

A Technology Partner That Truly Understands CJIS

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Danny.Rising@canteytech.com | 864-641-1581

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