Police Department

Community Services

The City of Camden Police Department has received funding through the Department of Justice to employ a full-time officer dedicated to Community Oriented Policing Services - COPS.

The purpose of this program is to partner with various community groups - sports organizations, youth groups, churches, etc. - to bring the goals of law enforcement in line with the needs of the surrounding community. 

The program is intended to create:

  • A greater understanding of the police agency, its ideals, goals and operations​
  • ​A greater level of communication - both to and from the community
  • An enhanced level of trust in law enforcement

Property Checks

The Police Department offers free property checks as time is available throughout the day and night.  It is designed to give our citizens a greater peace of mind while they are away from their homes.

The Property Check Service Is:

  • … for resident owners of residential property

  • … for residents of rental property which they do not own

  • … for property within the Corporate Limits of the City of Camden

  • … for citizens who are away from their homes for periods ranging from 2 to 60 days

  • … a focused check on a vacant or homeowner absent property to deter crime

  • … a service provided as police call volume permits

The Property Check Service is NOT:

  • … for business property
  • ​… for use by owners of rental property
  • … for homes vacant or occupants absent for more than 60 days
  • … a guarantee that the property is safe or that it will not be burglarized
  • … a guarantee that the property will be checked
  • ​… a substitute for an alarm system

The downloadable Property Check Application MUST be filled out in its entirety and presented IN PERSON to the Camden Police Department along with a photographic identification card of some type such as your SC Driver’s License.  No application for this service will be accepted by mail, email, fax or by phone.

Download the property check application.

Mission

It is the mission of the Camden Police Department to work with all citizens to preserve life, protect property, reduce fear, maintain human rights, and promote individual responsibility and community commitment. 

Philosophy

It is important for the public to understand the attitudes our Police Department has as an organization. These attitudes form the basis for our department's philosophy.

  • Public trust is the key to improving any police organization.
  • Accountability of police officers is the best way to build public trust. Law enforcement must be held to at least the same standards as the general community.
  • We must always stand ready to account for our actions and not be offended that we are asked to do so.
  • If an officer makes a mistake, he is expected to admit it, fix it, and go back to doing his/her job. We will discipline, but never fire an officer for making an honest mistake.
  • Officers can never let their personal feelings get involved in doing their duty.
  • Most bad decisions are made when people are mad. Officers must remember that when they are angry, their brain doesn't work.
  • Writing tickets is not the mission of the Police Department, but a tool to accomplish the mission.
  • Officers are in a help related profession - so they should help people.
  • Police officers have the authority to take away a person's freedom, but they never have the right to take away someone's dignity.
  • Police officers should not only avoid violating someone's rights, but should stand ready to protect everyone's rights. All citizens are equally important.

For non-emergency calls, dial 803-425-6025.  For emergencies, dial 911.