Frequently Asked Questions
Accreditation
(Q) Why is the Goose Creek Police Department accredited?
(A) The accreditation process is voluntary and we undertake it to allow a professionally recognized third-party to examine our facilities, operations, and policies and procedures to ensure we are meeting the most up to date best practices in law enforcement.
(Q) Who accredits the Police Department?
(A) The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), Inc. You may visit their website at www.calea.org.
(Q) How long has the Goose Creek Police Department been accredited?
(A) We have been accredited for nearly a decade. We earned our initial accreditation in November, 2002; our first re-accreditation in March, 2006; and our 2nd re-accreditation in December, 2008. We will seek our 3rd re-accreditation in the summer of 2011.
Animal Issues/Control
(Q) Do cats have to be restrained the same as dogs?
(A) Yes-If you are to own a cat, it must remain on the owners property at all times (see Chapter 90.04(a) of the Municipal Code).
(Q) Are you allowed to have chickens and or pigs inside the city limits?
(A) No (see Chapter 90.06(h & I) of the Municipal Code).
(Q) How many pets are you allowed per household?
(A) Three (3) without permit and up to six (6) with permit. A permit can only be obtained if ALL of your pets are currently up to date on their rabies vaccinations. The permit can be purchased at City Hall for a fee of $25.00 per pet annually (see Chapter 90.03 (a) of the Municipal Code).
Communications Center
(Q) When should I call 9-1-1?
(A) Dial 9-1-1 only for an emergency. An emergency is any serious medical problem (chest pain, seizure, bleeding), any type of fire, any life threatening situation (fights, people with weapons, etc.), or any crime in progress.
(Q) When I call 9-1-1, do you know where I am at?
(A) Technology has vastly improved in this area; however, the data is not 100% accurate. The call-taker will ask you to verify the location of the emergency.
(Q) Why do the call-takers ask me so many questions?
(A) The call-takers will ask questions related to the incident being reported. The questions will assist in determining what type of response is needed.
(Q) What if I dial 9-1-1 by accident?
(A) Don’t hang up!! The call-taker will not chastise you for making a mistake. If the line is disconnected prior to an answer, an officer will be sent to the incident location to verify that no emergency exists.
Community Policing
(Q) What is community policing?
(A) Community policing is an approach to addressing crime, disorder, and public fear of crime through open lines of communication with the citizenry, problem solving methodologies that involve other governmental and community resources, and a proactive versus reactive effort.
(Q) Does the Goose Creek Police Department practice community policing?
(A) Yes – Community policing is the cornerstone of our policing efforts. We recognize that lacking the ability to be everywhere all of the time requires us to develop trust-based relationships with our citizenry that encourage them to contact us and point us toward what we don’t immediately detect.
Crime/Law
(Q) What are some of the most frequent concerns citizens voice to the police department?
(A) Most of the concerns voiced to the police department are related to traffic congestion, speeding in residential areas, and barking dogs and other animal nuisances.
(Q) What is the most frequently committed crime against the person?
(A) Assaults and batteries are the most frequently committed crimes against persons.
(Q) What is the most frequently committed property crime?
(A) Larcenies are the most frequently committed property crime followed closely by breaking and entering vehicles. The vast majority of these crimes involve unlocked properties and vehicles.
(Q) Does Goose Creek have a curfew?
(A) No – The Police Department, however, does take an interest in juveniles that appear to be too young to be out alone based on time of day, locale, and activity. This is a case-by-case matter.
(Q) Does Goose Creek have a nuisance noise ordinance?
(A) Yes – The City has a comprehensive noise ordinance (see Section 132.14 of the Municipal Code).
(Q) What is the minimum age for someone to be arrested and put in jail?
(A) There is not a simple answer to this question due to the complexity of juvenile law in our state. Generally, an individual that is 17 years old or greater can be arrested and put in jail for criminal offenses. Persons younger than 17 years old can be taken into custody for criminal offenses or status offenses. Those persons are usually turned over to their parent(s) or guardian(s) but may be detained in a juvenile facility under certain circumstances.
Crime Prevention
(Q) Does my neighborhood have a crime watch?
(A) Maybe. You may call our Crime Prevention Specialist and he will be able to direct you to the person running your neighborhood watch program. If there isn’t an established watch up and running he will be able to assist you in getting one organized for your sub-division. Kevin Scott may be contacted at (843)863-5200 ext. 317 or email kscott@cityofgoosecreek.com.
(Q) Would someone come and show me how to best secure my home/business?
(A) Yes. Our Crime Prevention Specialist will conduct a free home or business security survey and discuss the recommendation with you to reduce your potential for becoming a victim of a crime.
(Q) What constitutes suspicious activity?
(A) Anything out of the ordinary, such as: heavy traffic, visitors coming to a house and staying for short periods of time, late night traffic, people loitering around a residence. If in doubt dial (843)863-5200 or 911 if an emergency response is needed.
(Q) What should I do if I suspect a drug house in my neighborhood?
(A) If you observe anything suspicious, call us immediately. You can make an anonymous tip by calling (843)863-5210 or by sending an email to: dsoderberg@cityofgoosecreek.com.
(Q) What type of information could assist officers with an investigation?
(A) License plate numbers, description of vehicles, description of suspects, type of activity and time of day. Please remember to not put yourself in harm's way to obtain information. Dial (843)863-5200 or 911 if an emergency response is needed.
(Q) Will the police department check on my residence while I am on vacation?
(A) Yes – you may fill out a house watch request on our website or contact the police department at (843)863-5200.
Employment
(Q) What are the minimum qualifications required to become a police officer?
(A) Click here for more information.
Facilities
(Q) Can I fish in the lake behind the police station?
(A) You must contact the City Clerk to obtain permission to fish in the City’s lake.
(Q) Does the Police Department have a jail?
(A) No – The Police Department has a booking facility that provides a secure environment for officers to process prisoners prior to transporting them to the proper detention facility or to hold prisoners pending their appearance in Municipal Court. Prisoners 17 years of age and older are housed at the Hill Finklea Detention Center in Moncks Corner. Prisoners under 17 years of age are turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia.
Police Cadet Program
(Q) What are the age requirements to be a Police Cadet?
(A) Eligible candidates must be between the ages of 14 and 21.
(Q) Is the Police Cadet Program designed for troubled teens?
(A) No – candidates must have demonstrated good character in past dealings and have a C (2.0) average or higher in their current academic work.
(Q) What are the costs associated with the Police Cadet Program?
(A) The only cost involved in the program is purchase a pair of black boots (after acceptance into the program).
(Q) How do I apply to become a Police Cadet?
(A) Pick up an application from any School Resource Officer (SRO), fill it out, and return it. Attend three (3) scheduled meetings in a row and then interview with program coordinators.
Population and Staffing
(Q) What is the police department’s service population?
(A) According to the latest estimate provided by the City Planner, the City’s population is approximately 37,900.
(Q) When I see two or more police cars parked side-by-side, what are they doing?
(A) Officers must meet with each other and with their supervisor from time to time. These meetings may involve the transfer of mission critical information, training materials, and even equipment.
Lost and Found Property
(Q) How do I check for or claim property I lost?
(A) The Property / Evidence Room frequently receives property found by citizens, most commonly bicycles, key rings, backpacks, wallets, and purses. An appointment is required to pick up property. The Property / Evidence Room is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please contact 843-863-5200 ext. 333.
Reserve Officer Program
(Q) Does the police department have a reserve police officer program?
(A) Yes, however, we are not currently accepting applications and do not anticipate doing so in the near future.
Ride Alongs
(Q) Can I ride along with a police officer?
(A) City residents 18 years of age or older may ride along with a police officer during his or her shift. You must fill out a ride along request form which can be downloaded from our website.
Traffic
(Q) What is the speed limit in a residential area that has no posted speed limit signs?
(A) This is referred to in state law as the "Urban Rule." Under the Urban Rule, the speed limit in a residential area is 30 miles per hour unless otherwise posted (see Section 56-5-1520(C) of the S.C. Code of Laws).
(Q) What is "sliding?"
(A) Sliding is a term commonly used to describe a turn made by a vehicle that turns left or right from a side street or driveway and crosses multiple lanes of traffic instead of turning into the lane nearest the lane from which they are turning. Sliding is prohibited by Section 56-5-2120 of the S.C. Code of Laws.
(Q) Are scooters and mopeds legal if driven on the street?
(A) Motorized children’s scooters and vehicles may not be driven on the street. These vehicles are for off-road use only. Mopeds may be operated on the street by an individual properly licensed to do so.
(Q) When can a golf cart be driven on a road or street?
(A) A golf cart may be driven: Only on secondary highways or streets within two miles of the owner’s residence or place of business or to cross a primary highway, only during daylight hours, and only if the operator has a valid driver’s license, liability insurance, and the proper permit from the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (see Section 56-3-115 of the S.C. Code of Laws).
(Q) What should I do if another car strikes my car then leaves the scene?
(A) If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision and the other leaves the scene before exchanging information with you, attempt to get any identifying information that you can on the other vehicle. This includes vehicle make and model, color, license plate, and any identifying feature such as noticeable damage and/ or markings. You should also try and get a good look at the driver. Try to identify their race, sex, age, hair color, and any clothing they may be wearing.
(Q) How do I report speeding vehicles in my neighborhood or request the RADAR display trailer be placed on my street?
(A) You may contact the Traffic Unit Supervisor at (843) 863-5200 extension 389.
Traffic and Parking Tickets
(Q) Where do I pay a traffic or parking ticket issued by the Goose Creek Police Department?
(A) You may pay traffic and parking tickets at the Goose Creek Municipal Court Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and at the Police Department communications center window after hours.
(Q) Where does the traffic ticket fine money go?
(A) Traffic ticket fines are distributed to various entities as directed by the South Carolina Court Administration (SCCA).
(Q) Do police officers have to meet a certain quota with regard to writing traffic tickets?
(A) No – police officers have discretion in their enforcement of traffic regulations. Certain offenses require custodial arrest thus negating officers’ ability to issue warnings. Also, officers assigned to the traffic unit focus their efforts on traffic enforcement and make more contacts due to not being called away for calls for service.
Uniform Patches
(Q) Can I obtain a uniform shoulder patch for my collection?
(A) Yes – We will mail you a uniform shoulder patch for $5 (certified check or money order) or you may visit our records window Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and pay cash in person.
Warrants
(Q) Who do I contact to see if I have an outstanding warrant?
(A) You may contact the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Supervisor at (843)863-5200 ext. 324, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
