In an effort to provide a greater law enforcement presence for western Orangeburg County, Sheriff Larry Williams has set up a regional office in Neeses Town Hall.

The four-month-old effort is a new way to meet the needs of citizens from Springfield to Norway and from North to Woodford.

“This was something that I’d tried to implement for several years,” Williams said. “My assessment of needs for the western part of the county came to a point where we would need a 10-12 man sheriff’s office in that area. I’d like to be able to do that sometime in the future when the resources become available.

“However, at the present time we have been able to transition three deputies to take care of that area. That’s not enough, but I think that folks in western Orangeburg County have been pleased with what we’re trying to do there.”

Williams says using Neeses Town Hall as a regional sheriff’s office — he feels the title places more emphasis on the full scope of additional services rather than the word “substation” — is good because it is a centralized location from which deputies can generate better response times.

“The only way we can increase the response time is to have this increased presence,” Williams said. “The folks in western Orangeburg County are farmers and other good, salt-of-the-earth people that deserve increased law enforcement protection. I just want to get back to good old-time policing — checking property and talking with people, sending the message we care.”

”At present we have three deputies that work out of the Neeses regional office,” he said. “We try to keep a rotating shift at all times. This can be three on and no one off, two on and one off or whatever is needed.”

Neeses Mayor Joe Corbett says Williams approached town council about allowing deputies to use town hall.

“This is technically not a working office where people go in and report incidents, but it allows the deputies a place where they can conveniently deal with the magistrate and do their paperwork,” Corbett said. “There are cabinets and desks here where they can work while they are patrolling this whole western part of the county. We were in favor of working with the sheriff on this because it makes people aware that they are in the area, which cuts response time and helps them do things quicker.”

Williams says he wants to eventually offer a full range of sheriff’s department services at the Neeses location.

“Neeses officials have most graciously allowed us to use their facilities,” Williams said. “I can see that office being used for lectures and other programs where my department can help educate citizens in the area. I’ve been there for several Crime Watch meetings and the people are always very receptive to anything we can propose to help.”

Lt. Marty Carrigg is the senior officer in the Neeses regional office.

“Marty is a good officer for this position because he believes in being an active part of the community,” Williams said. “He also picks a mean bluegrass guitar and he has made several appearances at various community events. Marty helps show the public that we are more than just badges and night sticks.”

Williams said Neeses is also an example of where another sheriff’s office initiative is having a positive impact.

“Another operation I call “double enforcement “is being now being used,” Williams said. “This is task force type enforcement. This is county-wide where the deputies are assigned specific duties aside from their normal duties. These deputies execute warrants, check properties and initiate more citizen contact so the public can get to know us and we can know them. I’d like to see more of this if we can get the support for more officers to keep it going.”

One man who feels the initiative to provide better law enforcement coverage for western Orangeburg County is crucial is Carolina Fresh Farms owner John A. “Tony” Fogle, whose wife was assaulted in their home by several intruders Aug. 29.

“This is definitely needed here,” Fogle said. “These deputies don’t need to be here during the day but assigned mostly at night and in the early morning. That’s when the crime is taking place. I know that the economy is tough, but if we pay the deputies good money and demand the best from them, this will work. People don’t mind paying more in taxes if they get what they pay for.”

n T&D Staff Writer Phil Sarata can be reached at psarata@timesanddemocrat.com and 803-533-5540. Comment on this and other stories at www.TheTandD.com.

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