Police Chief Dan Reynolds reported his department maintained its core responsibility despite significant staff shortages and challenges.
Reynolds and his staff presented its annual report to City Council tonight.
“You can look at the trends and every other year crime increases,” Reynolds said. Violent crimes increased 9.2 percent with 109 reported in 2012 to 99 in 2011. Property crime increased 1.5 percent, 778 reported in 2012 to 766 in 2011.
“The population has increased but the crime rate has stayed normal,” Reynolds said.
National Guard deployments, officers opting to retire, injuries and two other officers leaving for the private sector factored in the Greer Police department adjusting much of 2012.
The Directed Patrol Unit had to be suspended mid-year. Reynolds said he anticipates it to resume its function of conducting criminal interdiction, investigations, and arrests of individuals for repeated criminal activity within the city.
Reynolds said his officers continue to further their education. “We had three officers graduate from the state academy in criminal justice. Our staff is very much getting better educated.”
City Council annexed three parcels of property, on recommendation of the Planning Commission, totaling 7.3 acres along James Road and rezoned it R-12 (residential, single family cluster). It was the second and final reading.
A 1.2 acre parcel owned by the city was rezoned S-1 (service district) to combine the parcel. Westminister Properties is planning to build 21 houses on the rezoned property. That plan will go before the City Planning Committee for its recommendation and then to City Council where it must pass through two readings.
Council also approved rezoning four small parcels at Highway 14 and I-85 where the former Stuckey’s is located. Spartanburg Regional Hospital is planning a beautification project as the gateway to Village at Pelham and Gibbs Cancer Center. A digital sign is planned to market the hospital’s program and events.
City Administrator Ed Driggers explained the Council’s annual retreat Thursday and Friday, and announced the South Carolina Port Authority will host a luncheon Friday at The Cannon Centre. It will precede the groundbreaking for the Inland Port. Gov. Nikki Haley and a host of state dignitaries will attend.
• Council issued a proclamation declaring March 11-17 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.
• Zambelli was awarded the bid for a second straight year to produce the fireworks show at Freedom Blast. Pyrotecnico also bid.
• Greer Cultural Arts was awarded the beverage bid for Freedom Blast. Fresh Start of SC also bid.
• Council approved an ordinance amending Chapter 18 business license, Article II licensing, section 18-31 through 18-52 to reflect recommendations of the Municipal Association of South Carolina.