Community Education
The Simpsonville Police Department values the citizens, their safety and well being. In doing so, the police department offers a variety of programs geared to educate individual citizens, businesses and organizations in safety and other topics. Below are programs that are offered by the police department that can provide the training and education you desire.
Youth Summer Camp 2024 is open to applications
Only 20 campers will be accepted this year, and the first 20 students who submit their applications to the Police Department and qualify for the program will be accepted.
The 2024 Youth Academy takes place 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on July 8 – July 12 and July 15 – July 19. The Simpsonville Police Department Youth Summer Camp Academy provides high school students ages 13-16 with an inside look at local law enforcement. During the two week interactive program, students will see firsthand what it takes to be a police officer, explore career opportunities in law enforcement, and learn about the day-to-day operations of the Simpsonville Police Department, community policing and build positive relationships between law enforcement and teens.
Participants will meet officers from a variety of SPD divisions and other Law Enforcement agencies who will share their experience, providing valuable information designed to keep teens safe and ensure positive interactions with law enforcement.
The Simpsonville Police Department is proud to be able to offer the program at no cost to the participants thanks to the support from our leadership and donations from citizens. Yes, the program is FREE for all participants. Included in the camp are daily lunch, snacks, and activities and t-shirts. The Simpsonville Police Department school resource officers will lead the daily activities.
Activities include:
- Team Building & Leadership Development
- First Aid/CPR
- Police Procedures
- Traffic Enforcement
- Crime Scene Investigations
- Firearm Safety and Training
- SLED and SWAT Team
If you are interested in learning more about how to donate or contribute to our 2024 Youth Summer Camp, contact Cpt. Timmie Williams of the Simpsonville Police Department at twilliams@simpsonvillepd.com.
For questions about the program, contact School Resource Officer Tyler Hancock at nd0212550@greenville.k12.sc.us.
Please download, fill out, and return the below 2024 Youth Summer Camp application to the Simpsonville Police Department at 415 E. Curtis St.
We’ll see you in July!
This free training is available to any interested organization. The two-hour course covers steps to take when confronted with an active shooter or intruder in the workplace, school, church or elsewhere. Participants learn the history behind active shooter situations and how to react and survive. This training was originally developed for private schools and day-care facilities but has also been successfully taught to churches and other workplaces. The course is beneficial to any and all organizations that are interested.
The course is approved and accredited through the S.C. Department of Social Services and counts for two hours of continuing education for organizations requiring DSS credit hours.
Do you have a family member that needs to be visited due to health, age or other circumstances that resides alone and has no one to stop and check in on them?
The Simpsonville Police Department (SPD) has started up the Citizens Assistance Program (CAP) working in conjunction with Meals on Wheels, the United States Postal Service (USPS) and Senior Helpers, to check on individuals throughout the City of Simpsonville. Meals on Wheels role is to help identify potential people that could benefit from this program. The USPS will advise the police department if they see a pattern of mail piling up for anyone so that we can check on them. Senior Helpers has provided training to SPD Officers in identifying and dealing with persons suffering from Alzheimer’s and/or dementia. The CAP is for citizens that do not live in assisted living, nursing homes or have relatives that are able to visit them every day. This program would enable the people of Simpsonville to feel safe in their own homes while giving them the luxury of living alone. Family members or other concerned people can give us the proper information and a police officer will check in with that person on a daily basis either by phone or in person.
For more information on the CAP program, contact the Simpsonville Police Department at 864-967-9536. Completed applications may be mailed to the Simpsonville Police Department at 405 East Curtis Street Attention: CAP Program.
The Anti Theft Program [ATP] is aimed at auto theft prevention. The program is designed to assist law enforcement with the detection of stolen vehicles. The program utilizes issued stickers that are displayed on the vehicle enrolled in the program. If an officer spots the vehicle away from a residence during a certain time period, the officer will stop the vehicle and determine if the driver has consent to use the vehicle. The vehicle stickers that will be distributed and provided by Simpsonville Police Department are specific to the ATP program. Vehicles must be registered in the program with the police department along with an informed consent agreement signed by the vehicles registered owner.
Anyone that is interested in the program can get more information or find the ATP registration and agreement forms here.
The Simpsonville Police Department offers citizens an opportunity to experience life as a Patrol Officer by participating in the citizen ride along program. Citizens approved for the program are permitted to ride with a uniformed officer while patrolling the streets of Simpsonville. This is a rewarding experience for those interested in careers in law enforcement or those that just want to know what it is like to be a Police Officer.
Application Process
Citizens interested in the ride along program must fill out a Ride Along Request Application. Applications can be picked up at the police department, Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm in the Records Division. Applicants must agree to and pass a criminal background check that includes a NCIC check, sign all forms and waivers, and agree to follow all rules of conduct before participating.
A Neighborhood Watch program is a group of people living in the same area who want to make their neighborhood safer by working together and in conjunction with local law enforcement to reduce crime and improve their quality of life. Neighborhood Watch groups have regular meetings to plan how they will accomplish their specific goals. They will assign leaders with specific areas of responsibility. Neighborhood Watch is homeland security at the most local level. It is an opportunity to volunteer and work towards increasing the safety and security of your home and our homeland. Neighborhood Watch empowers citizens and communities to become active in emergency preparedness, as well as the fight against crime and community disasters.
Activities conducted by Neighborhood Watch groups across the country are as diverse and varied as their volunteers and the neighborhoods they represent. Some groups mobilize to patrol neighborhoods, others distribute crime prevention information, while business assessments or home security surveys are conducted by others. Where disorder problems are the primary focus of Neighborhood Watch members, volunteers mobilize and conduct neighborhood clean-ups, or work with civic and/or faith-based organizations to assist with the homeless and mentally ill who wander the streets. As law enforcement officers learn the needs of their various Neighborhood Watch groups and the dynamics of their volunteers; they can tailor activities and responses to meet the ever-changing needs of their citizens.
Anyone interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch program can contact the Simpsonville Police Department at 864-967-9536.
These links are provided as a public service. The City of Simpsonville and the Simpsonville Police Department cannot attest to the accuracy of the information provided by the linked sites and such links do not constitute an endorsement of the listed entities. The City of Simpsonville and the Simpsonville Police Department are not responsible for the content accessible through these links and under no circumstances will the City of Simpsonville or the Simpsonville Police Department be held liable for any third party who may choose to rely on a listed entity, its product or services.
How do I Report an Incident or Crime?
If you have an emergency call 911 immediately.
If the incident is of a serious nature or if the crime has already occurred and it occurred within the City Limits, call the non-emergency number at (864) 967-9536.
Before calling the non-emergency phone number please determine if the incident occurred within the city limits. If it occurred in Greenville County you will need to contact the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office at: 864-271-5210.
When should you call 911?
When there is an emergency, lives are in danger, serious injury, serious medical condition, crime in progress, fire, or any other situation needing immediate emergency attention.
What should you do if you see a crime occurring?
- Call 911 immediately.
- What is the address or location?
- Be observant and make mental notes.
- Are there any weapons, drugs or alcohol involved?
- Any physical characteristics such as height, weight, race, beard, or scars?
- Any clothing description?
- How many people involved?
- Are the persons involved on foot or in a vehicle?
- Are there any hazards that responding units need to be aware of? (power lines, fluid leaks, loose animals in the house)
Do I have to give my name when I call 911?
If you wish to remain anonymous or keep information confidential just tell the operator.
How do I leave a Crime Tip?
Call Crime Stoppers at 23-CRIME (864-232-7463). If your tip leads to an arrest, you could receive a substantial reward. You will be given a confidential number which is the only trace of identification provided to both informants and officers. No names are required or given. If your information leads to an arrest, you will be given a check from the Crime Stoppers organization. This check is left at a local bank with only numbers to indicate the recipient.
How do I Thank or Commend an Officer?
We appreciate your interest in commending the actions of one of our Officers or employees. It is much appreciated. To do so you can:
- Call (864) 967-9536 and ask to speak to the employee’s supervisor and verbally communicate your praise.
- You can write a letter to Chief Mike Hanshaw 405 E Curtis St. Simpsonville, SC 29681
- You can e-mail the Chief of Police at mhanshaw@simpsonvillepd.com include your name and address. Commendations received by the Chief of Police will result in advising the employee of your gratitude, and the commendation will be permanently recorded in the employee’s personnel file. If the action is sufficiently praiseworthy, additional recognition may be given.
- You can complete the online form under the Commendation/Complaint Tab.
Thank you for taking the time to thank an Officer!
How can I file a Complaint about an Officer?
The Police Department encourages anyone who believes they have a valid complaint against an employee of this agency to file a report. We believe in the integrity of this department that is founded on a history of honor and professionalism. All allegations of misconduct will be thoroughly investigated. Only by becoming aware of improprieties by our employees can we take the necessary corrective and/or disciplinary action to ensure that this Department maintains the high standards we support and represent. If you believe you have a valid complaint, please come to the Simpsonville Police Department at 405 E Curtis Street Simpsonville, SC 29681 and ask for the on-duty supervisor.
How can I check for registered SC sex offenders?
In order to maintain awareness of sex offenders living in your neighborhood, the Greenville County Sherriff’s Office has added a Sex Offender Registry to their website. The registry will allow you to enter any local address. It will then provide a list of all registered Greenville County sex offenders living within a one-mile radius within the boundaries of Greenville County. If you are looking for information about a particular sex offender, registered in Greenville County, the registry can help there as well.
You can also visit the S.L.E.D. Sex Offender Registry to search for a registered sex offender.
How can I get my property back if it was recovered stolen or seized as evidence?
To retrieve evidence, a person must have a court order or written authorization from the arresting officer or detective in the case. Bring the court order or written authorization along with a photo identification and the case number to Property & Evidence. If you are picking up a car, gun, or money, please call in advance. The number is 864-688-1139. The Property & Evidence Unit is located at the police department. They are open from 8am until 4pm Monday through Friday.
My Car was towed. How do I get it back?
The Simpsonville Police keeps a record of all vehicle tows within the City limits that were involved in a traffic accident or traffic stop, abandoned on public property or illegally parked on public property in the dispatch center. Call 864-967-9536.
I have a question concerning a City Ordinance Code. Where can I find the Ordinance?
How can I contact a specific Officer?
To contact a specific Police Officer call the SPD non-emergency line at 864-967-9536. Be prepared to give the operator the Officer’s name or unit number, the case number (if applicable), your contact information and reason for the call.
The operator will take a message and forward it to the Officer if they are on duty at the time of the call. The Officer will return your call as soon as possible.
If they are not on duty, the operator may be able to advise you when they are scheduled to return to work and you will need to call back during that time. Operators will not contact Officers who are off duty. Most Officers work rotating 12-hour shifts (day shift or night shift), 2 days on, 3 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off and so forth, so it can be several days before they are back on duty.
Please be aware that due to patrol requirements, it is often impossible for an Officer to immediately return your call.
It is against Department policy for operators to release phone numbers for individual Officers.
How do I get a copy of my Police report?
Contact the Public Records Division at 864-228-2595 and they can assist you with obtaining a copy of your incident report. It generally takes 3 to 5 business days after an incident for a report to be ready. When your copy is ready, you can pick up it up at the Law Enforcement Center located at 405 E Curtis Street Simpsonville SC, 29681, Monday thru Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm.
How can I find out if someone has been arrested or is in jail?
The Greenville County Detention Center has a website with useful information including allowing you to check online to see if someone has been incarcerated. Go to Detention Center website.
My family/friend is over-due and I'm worried about them. Can you tell me if they were in an accident?
Unfortunately, the Police Department dispatchers will seldom be able to advise if your over-due friend or loved one has been involved in an accident. The Police dispatchers handle vehicle accidents 24 hours per day, 7 day per week and there are just too many to be able to quickly identify each and every accident which has occurred. In addition, dispatch does not record the names of the individuals involved – only the vehicle descriptions and if they were towed. Detailed information is taken by the Officer on the scene and dispatch does not have immediate access to that data.
Another problem is the accident could have occurred anywhere along the expected route of your over-due person, usually over-lapping several jurisdictions which would have responded to the accident.
We often suggest that you call all of the area hospitals and see if they have been admitted. This is a more effective way of finding out of someone has been injured in an accident which occurred somewhere in the local area
What to do during a traffic stop?
When a Police Officer signals for you to pull over:
- Pull over as far to the right as safely possible. This allows the officer to walk safely to your car.
- Turn off the ignition.
- If the traffic stop occurs at night, turn on the interior lights of your car so the officer can see.
- Place your hands on the steering wheel until the officer can make a safety evaluation as he/she approaches your car.
- Avoid making any sudden or reaching movements.
- Always follow the officer’s instructions.
- Please stay in your vehicle unless directed by the officer to get out of your car.
- Do not assume that the officer knows that you are the perfect, law-abiding citizen. Law Enforcement can be dangerous work. Officers must be cautious at all times.
- If you are carrying a weapon advise the officer of the weapon and its location. Do Not attempt to retrieve the weapon for the officer.
- Being stopped at night, particularly along a dark stretch of road, can heighten the tension for a motorist and an officer. Officers do not object to drivers proceeding to the nearest well lit area. Simply acknowledge the officer by turning on your flashers and drive at a reduced speed.
- If asked to step out of the car, walk to the rear of your vehicle to the side away from the traffic, or as directed by the officer, using the car as a barrier between you and on-coming cars.
- The officer will ask you for three important pieces of information, your driver’s license, automobile registration, and proof of insurance. The officer will explain the reason for the traffic stop.
- Please do not attempt to argue with the officer. This may only increase the tension in an already stressful situation.
- Depending upon why the officer felt it was necessary to initiate a traffic stop you may, or may not, be given a citation, warning ticket, or verbal warning. If you receive a citation you will be advised of a court date, which allows you the opportunity to take your case before a judge. Certain traffic violations require that if charged you are taken into custody and must appear before a magistrate.
Once business with the officer is finished, you should merge, with caution, back into the flow of traffic.
In addition to the above, here are some other recommendations that we call “Best Practices for interacting with a police officer.”
The most dangerous thing a police officer does on a daily basis is to conduct a traffic stop. It is dangerous because of the unknown factors. With that said, here is a list of things you should do if you are pulled over by the police:
- Do not make any sudden movements
- Verbalize to the officer your intentions before you make any movements and get the OK
- Do not exit the vehicle, unless directed to do so by the officer
- Roll the driver’s side window all the way down
- Turn down your radio
- If at night, turn on the interior light in your vehicle
- Put your hands in a position where they can be visible to the officers as he/she approaches you. Make sure your hands are empty, if possible.
- Have your Vehicle Registration & Proof of Insurance somewhere close by to retrieve at the command of the officer. (preferred location is in a pouch on your sun visor, so it is not in an area that items such as a firearm may be stored)
- Do not argue with the officer on the side of the road, that is not the time or place. That is what court is for.
If you are a female traveling alone and you are being stopped during the evening hours in a rural and/or poorly lit area please do the following:
- Turn on your emergency hazards to acknowledge the officer
- Slow your speed down and proceed to a well-lit area
- Turn on the interior lights
- Call 911 and tell the dispatcher you are a female traveling alone and you have an officer behind you attempting to pull you over. Let them know you are not trying to flee, but you do not feel safe and want to pull over in a well-lit area. Ask the dispatcher if this is one of their officers behind you (give your location and vehicle description).
NOTE: This is not a state law, but merely a courtesy that some officers allow to make females feel more comfortable. Once the 911 dispatcher confirms that it is a law enforcement officer behind you, it is recommended to pull over.
If you are lawfully carrying a concealed weapon (i.e. Current CWP holder that is armed) you must do the following when pulled over by the police:
- Give the CWP to the police officer along with your driver’s license
- Two times when you must present a CWP if you are armed with a firearm: a.)When the person identifies themselves as a law enforcement officer. b.)When the officer request identification or a driver’s license.
- Verbally make the officer aware of where your firearm is concealed without making any movements to reveal, brandish or touch the firearm.
- Following directions after you told the officer you are armed is crucial for your safety as well as the safety of the officer.
How do I get Involved and Volunteer?
The Simpsonville Police Department seeks out positive partnerships with the citizens of the city of Simpsonville and the surrounding area. If you would like to be on a list to be called whenever a volunteer opportunity arises please contact the police department at 864-228-2595.
Does arrest or bench warrants expire?
Warrants of arrest, which include both arrest and bench warrants, have no expiration date. They are cleared only when abated by death or when a defendant appears before a judge in the court that issued the warrant.
Where can I pay a ticket?
Fines are not paid at the Simpsonville Police Department. You must go to the Clerk of Courts Office, which is located at:
Simpsonville City Hall
118 NE Main Street
Simpsonville, SC 29681
How do I get fingerprinted?
If you need your fingerprints taken for license, business or employment purposes, please come to the rear entrance of the Simpsonville Police Department, 405 E. Curtis Street, Simpsonville, SC 29681, M-F 7:00am thru 7:00pm. Or call after hours to see if an officer can be available (864-967-9536) to take your fingerprints. There is a $5.00 charge for all fingerprints (per person printed, per visit).
I lost my traffic citation, what do I do?
If you lost your traffic citation, you need to contact the courts for information to resolve your ticket. You can obtain court information by visiting the Simpsonville Municipal Court Website.
Can I tow a vehicle parked on private property that belongs to me?
Yes, you can have a vehicle towed that is parked in your lot without your permission. Understand this two will be at your own expense unless you work out another arrangement with the tow truck company. The Simpsonville Police Department will not be involved in towing vehicles from private property lots
The Simpsonville Police Department was founded in 1907 and consisted of two non-uniformed patrol officers, one on days and one on nights. Charlie S. Hamby was hired in 1928 as the first Chief of Police. He was also the first uniformed police officer.
Today’s Simpsonville Police Department is very different than when Chief Hamby was working. Michael Hanshaw is now the Chief of Police and has an approved staff of 40 plus sworn officers, 10 telecommunicators and 3 civilian employees.
The police department divisions include uniform patrol, criminal investigations, school resource officers, vice and narcotics, bicycle patrol, animal control, property and evidence, communications and victim’s assistance. All the divisions are vital to the day to day operation of the department.
The police department also offers programs such as the Summer Youth Academy, Citizens Academy and Citizens Assistance Program and hosts events such as National Night Out and mini-night out in neighborhoods throughout the community.
Category | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Murder/Manslaughter | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
Rape | 18 | 25 | 21 | 24 | 18 |
Robbery | 13 | 15 | 11 | 8 | 6 |
Aggravated Assault | 21 | 55 | 55 | 56 | 42 |
Burglary/ Breaking & Entering | 83 | 83 | 73 | 98 | 39 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 44 | 81 | 65 | 50 | 37 |
Arson | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
Totals | 182 | 262 | 231 | 239 | 144 |
Narcotics | 324 | 261 | 307 | 278 | 241 |
Tickets | 3,470 | 2,325 | 2,697 | 3,108 | 3,391 |
Calls for Service | 22,747 | 23,732 | 27,294 | 24,311 | 28,781 |
Note: These numbers do not exclude unfounded cases. As a result, these numbers reflect cases reported to LE as a whole and may not match the FBI numbers listed in the Crime in the United States catalog.*
* = thru November 25th 2014
The Simpsonville Police Department would like to introduce “Pinkie”. The Police Department has re-designed a retired 2008 Dodge Charger to bring awareness to cancer. Pinkie is a custom modified vehicle, with custom paint, new sound system and light package, custom rims, and specialty graphics. Pinkie took over duties for “Suzie” the 1999 Ford Crown Victoria that was a staple for many years.
This vehicle will be placed throughout the City, County, and State to collect donations for cancer awareness. It has a slot specially designed in the trunk for donations. Please be on the lookout for the pink patrol car and make your donations today! Please help us make a difference by donating to this very worthwhile organization today!
Multiple sponsors donated all materials, time and labor to prepare Pinkie for its new mission: helping eradicate cancer. The following list credits all sponsors that made Pinkie possible at no cost:
- Green Vegas Garage – Paint and Body work – Greenville, SC
- Global Public Safety – Graphics Design & Decals – Roebuck, SC
- Inman Muffler Shop – Exhaust System – Inman, SC
- Rogers Stereo – Window Tinting – Greenville, SC
- Lawrence Fabrications – Trunk Donation Slot – Simpsonville, SC
- Carolina Mopar’s Foothills Car Club – Neon Lighting – Greenville, SC
- Sark’s Automotive – Wheels/Rims, Tinted Head Lights and Taillights – Mauldin, SC
- Sark’s Greenville Auto Repair – Radio, Sub Woofers and Neon Lights – Greenville, SC
- Scott’s Trim Shop – Headliner – Greenville, SC
If you are interested in arranging for “Pinkie” to be placed in front of your business, or for more information please email Ofc. Cassandra Calzone at: ccalzone@simpsonvillepd.com.
With our sincerest thanks,
The Simpsonville Police Department
