The Greenville Police Department reports a nearly 20% decline in violent crimes over the past three years, including a 43% reduction in murder-homicide.
In 2022, the City of Greenville had 73 fewer violent crimes and saw a reduction in every category of violent crimes, which includes murder (reduced from seven in 2021 to four in 2022), negligent homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated assaults.
“Thanks to the support of the Mayor, City Council, law enforcement partners and our community, the Greenville Police Department had a very successful 2022,” said Chief J.H. Thompson. “The support and investments into the GPD have helped us maintain nearly full staffing over the past few years, which has been essential in providing excellent customer service and crime reduction.”
GPD confiscated 308 unlawful firearms, 130 of them by the Crime Response Team whose duties include attending community meetings, fielding concerns from residents and businesses and working street-level criminal enforcement.
“Every person in the Greenville Police Department played an essential role in our 2022 success,” said Mayor Knox White. “The strong relationships and teamwork between local, state and federal agencies are unprecedented. I would like to thank our Chief and his dedicated officers for their proactive efforts to make Greenville safer. The drop in crime shows that our investment is paying off and the City of Greenville is truly one of the safest, most livable places in America.”
Salary Increases
City Council has approved multiple pay adjustments for first responders since 2020 to keep salaries competitive and the force fully staffed, including a significant STEP increase in January 2022. This increased starting wages from $42,484 ($19 per hour) to $47,515 ($21.25 per hour) which has helped recruit and retain high-quality officers.
Facility Upgrade
In November 2021, Greenville City Council approved the purchase of 206 Halton Road from the Fluor Corporation to serve as a new police and fire department headquarters and Municipal Court. The $37 million investment in Public Safety facilities will improve working conditions for patrol officers, detectives, dispatchers, analysts and police command staff. The existing Law Enforcement Center, now more than 50 years old and shared with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, has inadequate space and technological capabilities. The new building, now undergoing extensive renovation, is a 126,000 square-foot, six-story facility.
Community Policing
- The Neighborhood Engagement Team (NET) was created to work proactively with neighborhood leaders and residents to build relationships and awareness of ongoing community concerns. Areas served include:
- Area 1 – Colonel Elias Earle, Stratham, Viola Park
- Area 2 – Southernside, Hampton-Pinckney
- Area 3 – West Greenville, West End
- Area 4 – Green Ave, Logan Park, Haynie-Sirrine
- Area 5 – Pleasant Valley, Shemwood
- Area 6 – Nicholtown
- The Bicycle Crowd Management Team, which helps keep our many events, parks and trails safe, was doubled in size (from 15 to 32 officers).
- The Traffic Response Vehicle assisted hundreds of stranded motorists.
- Three additional School Resource Officers were added (at West Greenville, Sullivan Center, Sterling School) in partnership with Greenville County Schools.
- AEDs and Trauma First Aid kits (including tourniquets) were added to patrol cars, giving officers the ability to quickly administer life-saving techniques prior to the arrival of other first responders.
Written by the City of Greenville.