HANAHAN, S.C. – This month marks six months on the job for the City of Hanahan’s Police Chief Dennis Turner. At just 40 years old, he is now living a life he only dreamed about when he was a high school student working beach patrol on the Isle of Palms.
“My ultimate goal was to be a chief of police somewhere. When you realize I’m now responsible for 32 police officers, civilians. It’s a humbling experience,” said Turner, who has been with the HPD 17 years.
He describes the last six months as an “adjustment,” as the husband and father of two learned the balance between family life and work life.
The chief handles his own scheduling, and today at work he keeps track of several items in his day planner. One item on the list, securing body cameras for his officers.
“I’ve been going back and forth on the phone and email with the company that we are going to go with. I hope to have the body cameras in effect by next budget cycle,” he said.
He says the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy recently approved his department’s body camera policy, and he will soon be applying for a grant to help pay for them.
Other items on the chief’s “to do list” include continuing to explore the state accreditation process for department and improving community relations. He says if anyone sees him out in public, don’t hesitate to say something.
“Even if you see me in the Bi-Lo on a Saturday, please come talk to me. Tell me what’s going on. Even if you just want to talk football, racing, talk to me. I want to get to know as many people as possible,” he says. “I want you to tell me your concerns, what do you think we are not doing right, so I can make sure our officers are providing the services that are expected.”
He says he regularly speaks with civic groups, churches, and engages with the public through the City of Hanahan’s Facebook page. “We help combat stuff through social media, putting out crime advisories,” he said.
He says violent crime hasn’t been a major problem in Hanahan over the last six months, but two ongoing issues that he wants the public to be aware of are car break-ins and IRS phone scams, where people unknowingly give thieves their bank account information or wire them money.
When Chief Turner heads home for the day, he says the work day isn’t over.
“My family has gotten used to adjustments that have been made, like after hours phone calls or being called in to address issues after hours,” he said. “It’s a job that goes 24/7.”
A husband and proud father of a 10 year old boy and two year old girl, says finding quality time with family is a priority. He says despite the demands of being police chief, he got to help coach his son’s baseball team in the fall. He stresses the importance of the work life/family life balance for himself and the officers on the force.
Overall, he calls the past six months “rewarding,” and he looks forward to the future of Hanahan.
“I have a good group of officers working for me that truly care for the community. That goes a long way in their job
performances,“ said the Chief. “I’m going to continue doing whatever I can to make Hanahan the best place in the state to live.”
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