The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office knows that it could be nothing without the communities that make up Sumter. We proudly and actively participate in numerous community functions as well as initiate many functions.

Since 2004, we have switched to a new community based policing practice by changing our schedules and patrol areas to best concentrate our resources throughout the county. We have 10 distinct patrol regions in the county with a deputy assigned to each area from each of the shifts. By keeping the deputies in same smaller areas rather than rotating them around, they have the opportunity to meet more people and build a rapport in their respective communities. This greatly helps facilitate the flow of information between the our office and the communities we serve. We have had great success with approach and most of the citizens we talk to seem to really appreciate more personal interaction with our deputies.

In each community there are numerous opportunities to work with us and give us your input. In each district, we have at least one community group that we meet with monthly to discuss their concerns and also to educate them on some of our practices or current crime trends in other areas. If you would like more information on meetings in your area you may contact Captain Eddie Hobbs or call him at 803-436-2032.

In 2007, Sheriff Dennis and his staff got together with some local community leaders, clergy, business leaders, and other concerned citizens to hold the first Boys To Men conference. This conference is two full days of spending quality one on one time with at-risk young men in the community. The purpose was not only to build a rapport with law enforcement, but to let these young men know that there are people in the community that care about them and how their lives turn out. The participants are given first hand accounts and testimonials about life from community leaders, educators, deputies, clergy and others. They are also taken to the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center to see what a life of crime can lead to.

The Sheriff’s Office participates in many other worthwhile programs and events because we know that holding the Sumter community close to our heart will benefit us all. If you have a community event that you would like some assistance with or would like to invite us to participate in, please let us know emailing Captain Eddie Hobbs or calling 803-436-2032.