The Florence Police Department in South Carolina has launched a Community Outreach Program in 2025 as part of its expanded initiative to strengthen ties between officers and residents through education, collaboration, and civic engagement.
Purpose and Mission
The outreach program is built on the department’s long-standing community-oriented policing model, which emphasizes proactive engagement and shared responsibility in maintaining safe neighborhoods. Chief Allen Heidler, who has led the department since 2014, describes the mission as improving citizens’ quality of life through “community partnership that promotes safe, secure neighborhoods and businesses”.
Key Components of the Outreach Program
- Citizen’s Police Academy – A seven-week interactive course introducing residents to the department’s internal operations, including demonstrations from specialty units. The academy promotes transparency and mutual understanding between law enforcement and the community.
- Unity with the Community Initiative – A relationship-building event where residents can meet officers, ask questions, and discuss local concerns. It includes safety tips, outreach activity updates, and open dialogue sessions.
- Camp Carraway (Youth Engagement Program) – Formerly “Camp F.E.V.E.R.,” this two-day camp honors the late Sgt. Terrence Carraway. It supports boys aged 11–14 through mentorship, life-skills education, and positive personal development in a supervised environment.
- National Night Out – Held annually on the first Tuesday of August, this citywide event fosters partnerships among residents, the police, and local businesses, reinforcing neighborhood safety and community cohesion.
- National Prescription Drug Take Back Day – Conducted twice yearly in partnership with the DEA to reduce prescription drug misuse and promote safe disposal options.
Partnerships and Community Engagement
The department collaborates with local organizations such as the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Highway Patrol, and multiple Neighborhood and Business Crime Watch associations. Over 30 neighborhood watch groups operate under the city’s coordinated safety programs.
How Residents Can Get Involved
Florence residents can participate in upcoming events by contacting the Community Outreach Office at (843) 665‑4008 or the main office at (843) 665‑3191. Enrollment details for the Citizen’s Police Academy and announcements for upcoming community events are available through the Florence Police Department’s official website and social media pages.
Overall, the program’s launch underscores the department’s goal of connecting policing with prevention and partnership, strengthening trust, and fostering a safer, more inclusive Florence community.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.cityofflorence.com/police-department)
[2](https://www.cityofflorence.com/police-department/community-outreach)[3](https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/programs/outreach)
[4](https://leb.fbi.gov/spotlights/community-outreach-spotlight-positive-policing-program)
[5](https://www.facebook.com/cityofflorence/posts/the-spring-session-of-citizens-police-academy-starts-april-1-2025dont-miss-out-o/1058416326312859/)
