The North Charleston Police Department arrested 35-year-old Anthony James Rivers on December 3, 2025, during a proactive patrol near Rivers Avenue, where officers detected marijuana odor from his tent and searched a bag and backpack, uncovering fentanyl, methamphetamine, a loaded handgun, and drug paraphernalia. A background check confirmed Rivers was federally prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior domestic violence conviction, leading to charges including possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and unlawful firearm possession; he was booked at Al Cannon Detention Center.​
Proactive Patrols Context
North Charleston PD employs proactive patrols as a core strategy in high-crime or populated areas like Rivers Avenue to deter crime through visible presence, aligning with policies that emphasize patrolling tents, encampments, and special request locations. These efforts contributed to significant crime reductions through August 2025, including a 36% drop in homicides, 16% in robberies, and 12% overall in violent crime compared to 2024, alongside a 62% rise in nonviolent arrests.​
Broader Effectiveness
Officials credit proactive policing, combined with community partnerships, for fostering safer environments and measurable declines in both violent and nonviolent offenses, such as a 34% reduction in stolen vehicles. High-visibility tactics like these patrols aim to prevent crimes in progress and build public trust, as seen in ongoing departmental strategies.
