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Facing a police staffing shortage, the city of Florence turned to technology, and Saturday, the state rewarded that bet
The city received a Municipal Achievement Award for Public Safety during the Municipal Association of South Carolina’s annual meeting
Mayor Lethonia Barnes accepted the award on behalf of the city, recognizing what she called an innovative approach to public safety through technology, teamwork, and trust
“This recognition from the MASC [Municipal Association of South Carolina] highlights Florence’s commitment to provide a safe community where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and every person feels protected and valued,” Barnes said
The Florence Police Department handled roughly 50,000 calls for service last year, while facing a staffing shortage that has only grown more strained as population, development, and call volume continue to rise
City officials said this issue was not unique to Florence police, but it was putting added pressure on an already stretched workforce
City officials said they realized two years ago that the current staffing model could not meet future needs, leading it to identify a critical need for innovative, technology-driven solutions
The department launched its Drone First Responder Program in May 2025 and fully implemented it in April 2026, adding drones on the west and south sides of the city to join one already covering the city center
That program is part of the city’s Five-Point Crime Plan, which City Council unanimously passed in December 2024
Together, they form the backbone of the Keeping Florence Safe Initiative, which includes:
- Three dock-mounted drones
- More than 45 stationary license plate readers
- Eight live-view cameras
- Two mobile video trailers
- Access to 300+ community cameras citywide, including Florence Housing Authority properties and locally owned businesses
The initiative is part of the city’s comprehensive plan, pairing crime deterrence with neighborhood and downtown revitalization efforts
Some community members have raised concerns about drone privacy. Capt. Stephen Starling previously told WMBF that the drones are only used to respond to calls for service within police jurisdiction, not to surveil private property
Police plan to add more community-owned cameras and recruit community members to join the program through social media campaigns and community meetings
“Ensuring the safety of our community is a core commitment of our organization,” City Manager Scotty Davis said. “We will continue to designate appropriate reunity as we increase efficiency through real-time intelligence and effective response for our citizens.”
The city is also exploring artificial intelligence and gunshot detection technology for the Crime Center. The city plans to hire additional Crime Center staff to give officers faster, more effective real-time intelligence
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