Summerton Dissolves Police Department, Shifts to Sheriff Coverage, June 20

Summerton, South Carolina voted to dissolve its police department and contract with the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement. The town has been without police officers since February 2025 after four officers resigned and the police chief retired. Under a $200,000 agreement, two full-time deputies will patrol the town starting July 1, but residents worry about response times and whether the town is getting adequate coverage.

Why the Town Shut Down Its Police Force

Mayor Keith Bowman cited staffing issues as the reason for dissolving the department. The town lost four officers and its police chief in February 2025 and has operated without a local police force for 16 months. During that time, the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office responded to more than 100 calls for service each month in Summerton. Residents questioned where tax dollars went if officers were not being paid, suggesting the town struggled to retain staff.

What the New Agreement Covers

Summerton will pay $200,000 to add two full-time deputies to the sheriff’s office. The town is also handing over usable law enforcement equipment and three police cars. Sheriff Tim Baxley offered the town two other options: three deputies for 12-hour peak patrols or four deputies with guaranteed town coverage at all times. The town chose the least expensive option with two deputies. The same agreement has been in place with the Town of Turbeville since January 2020.

Resident Safety Concerns Remain Unresolved

The sheriff’s office stated the agreement does not guarantee that a deputy will always be within town limits. Resident William Rich expressed concern about response times, saying people will worry about how long it takes Clarendon County to arrive. Residents also questioned whether the town’s tax dollars are being spent wisely. One resident asked, “If we’re not paying for police, where are the tax dollars going?” The agreement takes effect on July 1.

Final Thoughts

Summerton traded local police for county sheriff coverage to cut costs, but residents face longer response times with no guaranteed deputy presence. The town’s choice of the cheapest option signals budget constraints over public safety priorities.

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