DCSO fights crime, builds trust
Darlington County Sheriff James Hudson Jr. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
By Stephan Drew, Editor
Sheriff James Hudson Jr. and the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) are addressing the recent increase in crime across the county with a proactive and strategic approach. Sheriff Hudson shared with the News & Press how the department has intensified its crime-fighting measures and invested in state-of-the-art equipment to make it increasingly difficult for criminal activities to take place in Darlington County. He also shed light on recent events in the Alphabet Hill area of Hartsville, where crime incidents spiked following the release of two individuals who had been incarcerated for over a decade.
“There were some people who were incarcerated and they recently got out of prison. That’s when the shootings back and forth started between some guys who live out in the County and some that live in the City of Hartsville,” the Sheriff explained. “That’s when the City of Hartsville, the Hartsville Police Department, and we here at the Sheriff’s Office immediately jumped on that. We didn’t want the citizens to have to share that burden anymore.”
Sheriff Hudson praised his team and the Hartsville and Darlington Police Departments for their swift action in making arrests and restoring peace to the neighborhood. “We immediately jumped on that,” he emphasized, referring to the four arrests made in connection with the incidents. The Sheriff noted that this collaborative effort is just one example of the strengthened relationship between local law enforcement agencies, who share a common goal: keeping the citizens of Darlington County safe.
To further combat crime and increase efficiency, the DCSO has developed a specialized task force in partnership with local law enforcement agencies. The Darlington County Combined Drug Unit has been reinstated, combining the expertise of Darlington County Narcotics Investigators and Hartsville Police Department Investigators. In addition, the DCSO has established several new units within their investigations division: the Violent Crimes Task Force, Financial Crimes Unit, Special Victims Unit, Property Crimes Unit, and an Intelligence & Analytics Unit.
“Making it difficult for criminals is what it’s all about,” Hudson stated, underscoring the purpose of these efforts.
The Sheriff’s Office has deployed new technology to aid in its fight against crime. Flock Cameras have been installed throughout the county, providing deputies with valuable assistance in locating suspects, recovering stolen vehicles, and finding missing persons. “We’ve already caught two people with the Flock Cameras. The cameras were also used in the recent shootings. It showed all of it. That’s how we were able to make the arrests,” Hudson shared.
Hudson emphasized that while the DCSO is focused on enhancing crime-fighting strategies, building trust and strong relationships with the citizens of Darlington County is equally important. “Now, we do things in a way that the community is more pleased with how we react to things and how proactive we are,” he said. The Sheriff’s Office actively participates in community events, including monthly Crime Watch meetings held across the county. These meetings allow the department to hear concerns from citizens and inform them about law enforcement measures being implemented to ensure their safety.
The DCSO is especially dedicated to youth engagement, viewing the younger generation as future leaders and peacekeepers. The Sheriff’s Office sponsors numerous programs throughout the year, such as the Junior Leadership Academy and the Youth Deer Hunt. “This shouldn’t be about law enforcement versus the citizens. This should be about law enforcement working with the people to make things better for everybody,” Hudson explained.
In an effort to support the safety and well-being of all residents, the DCSO has also partnered with the Lock it With Love program, offering free gun locks to community members. “Gun safety is critical in today’s society,” Hudson noted. “We must stress the importance of safety in and outside our homes.”
The Sheriff’s Office’s commitment extends to those currently incarcerated as well. With the county detention center filled to capacity, Sheriff Hudson highlighted that approximately 20% of inmates are re-incarcerated after release. To reduce this number, the department provides mental health services twice a week for inmates and is in the process of developing a new program designed to decrease recidivism. “We want to help these individuals to be more than a statistic,” Hudson said. “We care about this community and want to create change. It all starts with building trust and relationships between law enforcement and the community.”
Sheriff Hudson is optimistic about the future of Darlington County. “We are always researching what works better,” he stated, emphasizing the department’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in law enforcement practices.
“This is our home,” Hudson concluded. “We’re going to keep working hard and building that trust because we all live here. We all deserve a safe community to live in.”
You can reach the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office by calling 843-398-4501 or the Non-Emergency Dispatch number at 843-398-4460. With the help of the community, the DCSO is confident that they can achieve their mission of making Darlington County a safer place for all its citizens.
