IslandVibesIOP.com 12 Charleston Southern intern gets spring training stint with IOPPD Staff Report Cars in the Park to turn wheels and heads Staff Report The Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) Foundation is proud to announce the selection of its fourth sponsored intern for the Isle of Palms Police Department (IOPPD), continuing the Foundation’s growing commitment to supporting the next generation of criminal justice professionals. This year’s intern, Charleston Southern University senior Jordyn Draper, will complete 120 hours with the department between Jan. 12 and May 4, gaining hands-on experience alongside officers dedicated to public safety, integrity and community service. The LENS Internship Program, launched in 2022 to help college students gain meaningful experience in a real-world law enforcement environment, provides paid opportunities at $15 per hour. While the Foundation provides financial support, the Isle of Palms Police Department leads the hiring process, including interviews, scheduling and oversight of job responsibilities. All applicants must pass a criminal background check and motor vehicle record review to ensure they meet departmental standards. With each new intern, LENS moves closer to its vision of supporting law enforcement in practical, forward-looking ways. By funding opportunities like this, the Foundation not only strengthens the Isle of Palms Police Department but also encourages students to pursue careers built on accountability, compassion and public trust. “When young people get real exposure to what it means to serve a community, they carry those lessons with them for life,” said Ted Kinghorn, executive director of the IOP LENS Foundation. “Watching this program grow — to now welcoming our fourth intern — is a tremendous milestone. These students bring energy, purpose and curiosity, and they remind all of us why supporting law enforcement matters.” For Draper, a criminal justice major with aspirations to work in public service, the internship represents an invaluable step forward. “I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the LENS Internship and to gain hands-on experience while learning from professionals dedicated to service and leadership,” she said. Her approach to the work is guided by a verse that has shaped her understanding of justice and humility: Micah 6:8 — “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Draper’s internship officially began Jan. 12, marking another meaningful chapter in the partnership between LENS and the IOPPD. For more information on the LENS Foundation and its programs, visit lensiop.org. Pictured (from left) Charleston Southern senior Jordyn Draper, IOPPD Operations Commander Robert Forsythe and IOPPD Chief Kevin Cornett. All types of cars will be on display at this year's Cars in the Park. Car aficionados of all makes and models can rejoice as the City of Isle of Palms Recreation Department will host the second annual Cars in the Park event on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hot rods, muscles, antiques, collectibles and special interest cars will roll into the Recreation Center lot where there will be live music, food trucks, specialty food vendors and local arts and crafts vendors. It’s a gearhead’s dream come true. Vehicle registration is now open. The last day to register is Friday, April 17, at noon. It is free to display a vehicle in the show, but all vehicles must register in advance by contacting Tammy Cox at tcox@iop.net or at 843-886-8294. COMMUNITY
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