By: Jeremy Handel, Staff Writer | jeremy@thewoodrufftimes.com
The Woodruff Police Department is taking steps to reduce its reliance on nearby agencies for high-risk operations by establishing a specialized tactical unit.
The Woodruff City Council approved a pair of resolutions that would help the police department move toward that goal. The first approved creating the policy and procedures to establish guidelines for conducting raids while attempting to serve high-risk warrants.
Chief Greg Ryan told the council that Det. Anderson has previous experience with establishing guidelines for such raids and provided guidance in creating the policy that will govern how these raids could be conducted.
The second resolution approved the creation, staffing, and operation of the new unit. Chief Ryan said the department would establish the unit from existing personnel and bring experts to provide the appropriate training. The new unit will allow the department to safely conduct such raids without relying on other agencies. Although, working in conjunction with other agencies is still an option.
In other business, the Council approved the hiring of Goodwyn Mills Cawood to assist the city in applying for federal disaster relief funds the city will receive from FEMA in relation to damage from Hurricane Helene. City Manager Lee Bailey said the company helps ensure that the city uses the funds properly and can maximize the benefit. The cost of the company will also be reimbursed by FEMA, Bailey said.
The Council also approved the first reading of an ordinance to adopt new and revised flood damage prevention regulations. Bailey said the updates are to adopt updates made by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources during their regular review.
Bailey also provided some updates regarding other projects, including the start of work on paving a new parking lot behind the Arthur State Bank on Main Street downtown that will add more than 50 new parking spaces. He also said the Department of Transportation has returned and is making repairs to improve access to and from businesses onto Main Street.
The Woodruff City Council meets on the last Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. The meetings are open to the public, and the next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 25.
Author: Tracy Sanders
