Police Department
FAQ
Over the
years, the Georgetown Police Department has received many
calls from community members with questions about police
procedures, what to do about certain types of crime in their
neighborhood, or just general questions about certain GPD
activities. This section answers the most frequently asked
questions.
Traffic & Vehicle Related
Questions:
Police Report & Information
Questions:
Employment Opportunities:
Quality of life Issues:
Crime Related Information:
Miscellaneous Information:
Jail Information:
Traffic & Vehicle Related Questions:
How do I contest a traffic citation?
Persons issued a SC Uniform Traffic Ticket by a Georgetown Police Department have several options. They may simply post the bond amount (as indicated on the face of the ticket) in the form of a cashier's check or money order mailed to the "Court Address" recorded on the ticket. The bond must arrive at the court prior to the assigned court date, which is also indicated on the face of the ticket. Persons who mail in the appropriate bond amount are not required to appear in court. Their non-appearance and posted bond will be accepted as a "no-contest" plea. Citizens may desire to plea guilty to a lesser offense (to reduce insurance costs, license points, or fine amounts).
To request a reduction, simply appear in court on your assigned date and meet with the officer, who will appear before the judge with you. If you desire to contest the charge, you must appear in court on the date indicated on your ticket. You may request a "bench trial," wherein the Municipal Judge hear testimony and evidence from you and the charging officer and renders a decision immediately. If you desire a trial by jury, you must post the bond indicated (prior to your court date) and request a trial by jury in writing. You will receive a new court date from the Municipal Clerk of Court, usually within approximately six weeks.
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How do I contest a parking citation?
Persons who wish to contest a parking citation issued by the Georgetown Police Department should telephone the Municipal Clerk of Court at 843-545-4020 to request a court date. A date will be assigned, and you may appear on that date to be heard before the Municipal Judge.
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How do I get my car out of impound?
If the Georgetown Police Department has "impounded" your vehicle, it is most likely for one of the following reasons: Drug violations, repeated Driving Under the Influence or Driving Under Suspension violations, the vehicle was used during the commission of a serious crime, or the vehicle requires processing for forensic evidence. If your vehicle was seized for one of the aforementioned reasons, you may contact GPD at 843-545-4300 for information. GPD does not impound vehicles from traffic collisions or routine parking violations. Vehicles towed during these situations are referred to the Georgetown County Wrecker Association, and are stored at the respective wrecker operator's site.
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How do I find out if my vehicle has been towed?
If your vehicle was towed within the City of Georgetown, you may telephone the Georgetown Police Department at 843-545-4300 to request information regarding the vehicle. If the vehicle was impounded by GPD, you will be referred to the appropriate section for information. If the vehicle was towed from private property with assistance from GPD, the department will refer you to the appropriate private company for information regarding your vehicle, if possible.
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What should I do if I've been involved in a traffic accident?
You may always report vehicle accidents to the Georgetown Police Department if you so desire, but SC State Law requires that you do so in certain situations. If the accident occurred in the roadway, you must report the accident if damage exceeds $1000 or anyone is injured or killed. If your vehicle is in the roadway and creating further hazard, you may move it to a safe location prior to GPD's arrival. Our traffic investigator will reconstruct the accident using other methods (your safety is more important than the ease of the traffic officer's job). Use a mobile telephone (if available) to call 911. Tell the operator your exact location, and be certain to inform the operator of any injuries.
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How do I obtain a copy of a traffic accident report?
Upon requesting a report be prepared to provide the date, time, location and persons involved in the accident. The easiest method is to have your attorney or insurance agent make the request. They do so on a routine basis and are familiar with the requirements. If you would like a copy you may obtain one free of charge at the Georgetown Police Department. Drivers and passengers involved in the accident are not charged. Insurance companies, attorneys, and other authorized third parties must pay a $3 fee.
Police Report & Information Questions:
How do I obtain a copy of an incident report?
Upon requesting a report be prepared to provide the date, time, location, persons, and type of incident. Copies of incident reports are free to victims of crime, and may be obtained at the Georgetown Police Department. For further Information, contact the GPD Records Section at 843-545-4301.
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How do I obtain a copy of my criminal record?
Persons who wish to obtain a copy of their local (GPD) criminal record may do so by visiting the GPD Records Section at the Main Station. You must bring government-issued photo identification and your Social Security card. You will be charged a $5 fee. If you would like to check your national criminal record, that must be accomplished via the SC State Law Enforcement Division and requires a separate form and a $25 fee.
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Employment Opportunities:
How do I obtain information regarding employment opportunities with the Georgetown Police Department?
The Georgetown Police Department continually recruits employment applicants. If you would like an information packet, or would rather meet with a recruiter, please call CPT Jim Arnold at 843-545-4393. The department creates eligibility lists from quarterly hiring processes which include written exams, board interviews, and physical fitness testing.
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Quality of life Issues:
Who should I contact in regard to abandoned vehicles in my neighborhood?
GPD's Community Services Team aggressively patrols for abandoned vehicles in order to assist Georgetown's citizens as they attempt to maintain the integrity and quality of life within their community. If abandoned vehicles create a nuisance in your neighborhood, please contact the Community Services Team at 843-545-4303.
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Who should I contact in regard to broken streetlights in my neighborhood?
Please report broken or inoperative streetlights to the Georgetown Electric Department at 843-545-4600.
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Who should I contact in regard to illegal drug activity in my neighborhood?
You may report suspicious drug-related activity or general drug information to GPD's Narcotics and Organized Crime Team at 843-545-4304. Information may be provided anonymously and will be kept confidential.
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Who should I contact in regard to hazardous materials in my neighborhood?
The Georgetown Fire Department staffs a specialized team of firefighters trained to respond to hazardous material spills, accidents, and situations. If you suspect a problem involving dangerous chemicals or substances, please call 911 immediately. For general questions regarding such situations, you may contact GFD at 843-545-4200.
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Who should I contact in regard to environmental crimes in my neighborhood?
GPD responds to environmental crimes such as wildlife violations, illegal dumping etc. If the situation is urgent, or speed is important to prevent the escape of a suspect, dial 911. In less urgent situations and to file a report, call 546-5151. If you need information only, then call 545-4300.
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Who should I contact in regard to barking dogs or other noise complaints in my neighborhood?
GPD's Patrol Division responds to noise complaints (including barking dogs) at any time, 24 hours per day. Please call the non-emergency dispatch number, 843-545-5151 to report loud noises, barking dogs, loud vehicles, fireworks, or other disturbances which may detract form the quality of life in your neighborhood.
Crime Related Information:
Where can I obtain crime prevention
information?
GPD's
Community Services Team oversees the department's crime
prevention programs. GPD assists with neighborhood watch
programs, conducts community meetings, and can provide
specialized services to the retail business community. GPD
also provides (free of charge) expert speakers in a variety of
topics, including workplace safety, retail loss prevention,
household security, and Constitutional law. Please contact the
Community services Team at 843-545-4303 for
information.
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Where can I obtain Domestic Violence
information?
If you are
currently in danger due to any form of domestic violence, call
911 immediately. GPD Patrol Division officers will respond to
you as quickly as possible to provide for your physical safety
and complete any reports required by our policies and State
Law. For general information regarding domestic violence,
including the assistance programs provided by GPD and the
State of SC, please contact GPD's Victim Services Coordinator
(Sherri Smith) at 843-545-4365.
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Where can I report child
abuse?
If a child is
currently in danger due to any form of physical abuse, call
911 immediately. GPD Patrol Division officers will respond to
as quickly as possible to provide for the child's physical
safety and complete any reports required by our policies and
State Law. For general information regarding child abuse and
endangerment, including the assistance programs provided by
GPD and the State of SC, please contact GPD's Victim Services
Coordinator (Sherri Smith) at
843-545-4365.
Miscellaneous Information:
Where can I get fingerprinted?
GPD provides fingerprinting services on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., or by appointment. The fee for fingerprinting is $5. For further information contact INS
Craig Young at 843-545-4395.
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How do I obtain a Parade Permit?
A Parade Permit is required when "any parade, march, ceremony, show, exhibition, pageant or procession of any kind, or any similar display, in or upon any street or park in the city". An application may be obtained at the police department and must be submitted to the Chief of Police 3-14 days prior to the proposed parade. You will be contacted by telephone or mail regarding the approval or disapproval of your application.
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How can I commend a Georgetown Police Department employee?
The Georgetown Police Department takes pride in the quality of service we deliver to the Georgetown community. Our standards are very high, and we routinely perform beyond what is expected of us as a police agency. If you have received exemplary service from an officer or civilian employee, we would like to know so that we can ensure continued performance at that level. Please contact the office of the Chief of Police at 843-545-4302.
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How can I file a complaint against a Georgetown Police Department employee?
The Georgetown Police Department takes pride in the quality of service we deliver to the Georgetown community. Our standards are very high, and we routinely perform beyond what is expected of us as a police agency. If however, you have received what you believe is substandard service, or you observe what you think may be inappropriate behavior on the part of any GPD employee, we would like to know so that we can investigate the matter and continue to provide the high quality service to which the
Georgetown community has grown accustomed. Please utilize the following procedure:
- If you wish to make a complaint about the actions of an officer, civilian employee, or about any aspect of our law-enforcement operations, please:
- Come to the Georgetown Police Department and tell any employee that you want to make a complaint; or
- Call the Georgetown Police Department at 843-545-4302 and tell the person answering the phone that you want to make a complaint; or
- Write your complaint and mail it to Chief of Police Dan Furr, Georgetown Police Department, 2222 Highmarket Street, Georgetown, SC 29440
- A supervisory officer will assist you in filling out a complaint form. This form asks you to identify yourself and then to give specific details about your complaint.
- Your complaint will then be investigated. You may be contacted and asked additional questions about your complaint.
- If it is going to take a long time (more than 14 days) to investigate your complaint, you will receive a letter or telephone call telling you approximately when you may expect a reply.
- When your complaint has been investigated, then a supervisory officer will review the investigation and will contact you to explain what has been found out about the matter.
Jail Information:
How do I find out if a person is in
jail?
If you
believe that a person has been arrested by the Georgetown
Police Department and is in jail, you may call GPD at
843-545-4300 or the Georgetown County Detention Center at
843-546-3521 for information. Please keep in mind that once a
person is arrested, it often requires one or two hours to
arrest, process, transport, and book a prisoner, so allow
enough time to lapse before calling. GPD does not operate the
jail (the Georgetown County Detention Center is operated by
the Georgetown County Sheriffs Office). GPD personnel can tell
you what bond amounts and procedures are required when you
call.
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How can I post bail for someone after I find out
he or she is in jail?
If you
believe that a person has been arrested by the Georgetown
Police Department and is in jail, you may call GPD at
843-545-4300 or the Georgetown County Detention Center at
843-546-3521 for information. GPD does not operate the jail
(the Georgetown County Detention Center is operated by the
Georgetown County Sheriff's Office). Please keep in mind that
once a person is arrested, it often requires one or two hours
to arrest, process, transport, and book a prisoner, so allow
enough time to lapse before calling. GPD personnel can tell
you what bond amounts and procedures are required when you
call, but understand that depending upon the seriousness of
the offense the person may be required by law to await a
formal bond hearing before a judge. This often requires at
least an overnight stay in the Detention Center.
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