SIPD Mission Statement

The Sullivan’s Island Police Department is committed to providing professional, transparent, and ethical policing to the community it serves. We are dedicated to ensuring the Island remains a safe place to live, work and visit, with a focus on preventing crime and engaging the community.  Our members strive to build effective partnerships with all Town of Sullivan’s Island residents, businesses and visitors; and we agree to perform our duties in a courteous and fair manner. The Sullivan’s Island Police Department recognizes that ethics and honesty are the cornerstones of effective law enforcement, and it endeavors to hold its members to the highest standards.

SIPD Core Values

Professionalism: Members of the Sullivan’s Island Police Department are trained to competently perform their duties as law enforcement professionals. They will continue to seek continuing education and training to improve their law enforcement knowledge, skills and abilities.

Respect: Members of the Sullivan’s Island Police Department will treat all members of the community with respect and fairness, recognizing that diversity fosters inclusivity and social cohesion, and leads to more effective community/police partnerships. 

Integrity: Members of the Sullivan’s Island Police Department will adhere to the highest moral and ethical principles in both their personal and professional lives, never turning a blind-eye to violations of the law or official misconduct.

Dedication: Members of the Sullivan’s Island Police Department will work tirelessly to ensure that the Town of Sullivan’s Island remains a safe place to live, work, and visit, recognizing that the law enforcement profession requires a commitment to duty and community.

Excellence: Members of the Sullivan’s Island Police Department will perform their duties and responsibilities of the best of their abilities, utilizing their skills, training, and strong ethics to lead and strengthen community and inter-departmental relationships.

The Sullivan's Island Police Department is comprised of twelve full-time uniformed officers, and part-time seasonal beach services and parking enforcement officers. The uniformed officers consist of a Police Chief, Deputy Police Chief, two sergeants and eight patrol officers, typically working 12-hour shifts. The Department occasionally uses Charleston County Sheriff’s Office deputies during the peak of tourist season.

The Department has also attempted to keep abreast of technological advancements in the field of law enforcement through the acquisition of updated Police vehicles adapted with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), guided laptop computers, in-car cameras, and updated radio equipment. The officers are also equipped with body cameras, tasers, and body armor, now considered standard issue for local government law enforcement.

The increasing popularity of the Island’s beaches can be attributed to both the explosive population growth of the Charleston region and the area’s limited access to public beaches. What was once a seasonal increase of beach goers has now become a year-round presence of visitors to the Island’s beaches, restaurant district, and other cultural attractions such as Fort Moultrie. The year-round impact of traffic congestion and other law enforcement activities has subsequently led to a need for both seasonal beach security and parking enforcement personnel, as well as regular patrol officers. 

Sullivan's Island Public Safety & Emergency Alert System

The Town of Sullivan's Island has partnered with Nixle to bring you up-to-date alerts from the Police Department and the Water & Sewer Department. Registration is free and you will be alerted via text message or email. Text your zip code to 888777 or click here to sign up today!  NOTE:  Please check with your cell phone provider for fees to receive text messages. 

House Watch 

Going out of town? Safety should still be your number one priority. If you would like an officer to ride by your house when you are out of town please fill out the house watch form (PDF). You may bring it by Town Hall during their regular business hours.