For Immediate Release –July 18, 2026
City of Florence Receives Municipal Achievement Award for Public Safety at the Municipal Association of South Carolina Annual Meeting
Media Contacts:
Scotty Davis, City Manager – 843-665-3113 or sdavis@cityofflorencesc.gov
FLORENCE, SC – Today at the Municipal Association of South Carolina’s (MASC) Annual Meeting, the City of Florence was honored by receiving a Municipal Achievement Award for Public Safety. Mayor Lethonia Barnes accepted the award on behalf of the city, recognizing the city’s leadership for their innovative approach to Public Safety through technology, teamwork, and trust.
The Florence Police Department, like many agencies, has faced a significant staffing shortage in recent years. At the same time, population, development, and call volume continued to rise, increasing service demands on an already strained workforce. Officers were being asked to do more with fewer resources, creating challenges in response times, situational awareness, and overall capacity. Recognizing that traditional staffing models alone could not meet future needs, the city identified a critical need for innovative, technology-driven solutions.
Two years ago, the City of Florence began seeking innovative ways to enhance public safety without increasing demands on already overextended officers. After researching Real Time Crime Centers, the Florence Police Department expanded the concept by integrating a Drone First Responder Program and creating the Keeping Florence Safe Initiative. Supported by state representatives, and the Mayor and City Council, the program now includes three dock-mounted drones, more than 45 stationary license plate readers, eight live-view cameras, two mobile video trailers, and access to over 300 community cameras city-wide including Florence Housing Authority properties and locally owned businesses. These community partnerships form the backbone of a collaborative, future-focused approach to public safety.
The Keeping Florence Safe Initiative is an integral part of the city’s comprehensive plan. Economic development and growth are not possible without the community’s confidence in public safety. Combining this program with neighborhood and downtown revitalization efforts enhances citizen safety, supports community development, and deters crime city-wide. This initiative promotes long-term community confidence, encourages business investment, and ensures Florence remains a thriving, safe place to live, work, and visit. As the city continues to grow, this program is designed to easily scale and meet these demands.
The Florence Police Department plans to hire additional staff to enhance the capabilities of the Crime Center, providing officers with more real-time intelligence for faster, more effective responses. The Keep Florence Safe Initiative will continue integrating community-owned cameras and encouraging resident participation through proactive community engagement.
This will be accomplished through social media campaigns and community meetings to increase awareness. Additionally, we are exploring investments in Artificial Intelligence, and gunshot detection, to enhance Crime Center operations. These efforts will strengthen community engagement and reinforce the reputation that Florence is not a place to commit crime.
Mayor Lethonia Barnes stated, “We are incredibly honored to receive a Municipal Achievement Award for Public Safety. Utilizing advanced technology to assist in crime prevention was part of the 5-Point Crime Plan that was introduced to City Council for their support. This recognition from the MASC highlights Florence's commitment to provide a safe community where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and every person feels protected and valued.”
City Manager Scotty Davis added, “We are honored to be recognized at the state level for the Police Department’s innovative efforts with technology, teamwork, and building trust in our community. Ensuring the safety of our community is a core commitment of our organization. We will continue to designate appropriate resources to ensure the safety of our officers and the Florence community as we increase efficiency through real-time intelligence and effective response for our citizens.”
###
