Crime Watch Network rallies residents
A large group, including citizens, local leaders and law enforcment, gathered at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church on Thursday, Sept. 24. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
By Stephan Drew, Editor
Packed gathering brings together city leaders, police and recovery advocates to address violence, voter turnout and storm readiness.
A large crowd filled Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 400 S. Main Street, on Thursday, September 24, for a meeting of the Darlington County Crime Watch Network (DCCWN). The program covered public safety, civic participation and disaster preparedness, and it ended with a call for residents to get more involved in the community.
Deidre Odom, Director of DCCWN, opened the program and welcomed attendees, opening up the discussion by visiting officials.
Darlington City Councilmember Shelia Baccus spoke about the growing amount of violence in the city, a shrinking police force, gang activity and vandalism. She also raised the continued water line breaks in various parts of town, particularly on South Main Street and in the surrounding neighborhoods.
City Councilmember Angela McRavin, also in attendance, said families must take a more active role in supervising their own children. She said every resident shares responsibility for the community’s wellbeing and urged attendees to “take back our community.”
“It’s up to us to do that,” McRavin said. She encouraged stronger relationships among neighbors and between residents and law enforcement. She reminded the audience, “If you see something, say something,” and cautioned against letting fear of repercussions keep people silent.
Investigator Melton of the Darlington City Police Department addressed recent shootings in the city and asked for closer cooperation between the community and law enforcement.
Odom and Georgia Ross outlined an effort to encourage and transport local residents ages 18 to 35 to vote. Ross urged early voting and asked community members to drive neighbors who lack transportation to the polls.
Ross also raised concerns about speeding and hazardous driving on Chestnut Street.
Carol Dixon of the Darlington County Long Term Recovery Group (DCLTRG) gave a detailed presentation on her organization’s work to help low-income residents, senior citizens and other disadvantaged community members prepare for storms during hurricane season and the coming winter.
Dixon reported that the amount of repair funding available per person has risen from $30,000 to $75,000, with about $2.8 million available each month.
DCLTRG is seeking more local contractors for repair work. Dixon said she has worked with out-of-town contractors and was not always satisfied with the results. She said hiring local contractors would keep business and revenue with local workers.
“We are currently in the peak of hurricane season,” Dixon stressed, underscoring the need for residents to stay prepared.
Dixon also walked attendees through the application process for the funds. She emphasized having proper documentation and complete records ready, including current tax bills, bank statements and accurate deeds.
The Darlington County Crime Watch Network will meet next at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, at Macedonia Baptist Church, 400 S. Main Street, in Darlington.