IslandVibesIOP.com 5 and glass violations amounted to zero. One item that did increase, however, were warning citations: 3,664 – 385 more than in 2024. But Cornett sees that as a positive, as IOP officers continue to prove that a little warning goes a long way. “Officers are given the ability to use discretion as to whether they issue a citation or a warning ticket,” Cornett said. “Sometimes we are able to achieve compliance with a warning and sometimes we will have to take other actions. Other infractions may be found during an encounter. In some of those circumstances, a warning may be issued for one infraction while a citation is issued for a more glaring or unsafe violation. – which to date include more than 7,000 in 41 countries. The certification process for IOPPD entailed medical and neurodivergent professionals training all staff at the Isle of Palms Police Department on recognizing community members with sensory needs and handling sensory overload situations. Sensory bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads are now available at police headquarters and in some patrol vehicles to all community members who may feel overwhelmed by the environment or emergency situations. IOPPD Chief Kevin Cornett said that while officers always try to serve the island in every way possible, the new certification means they are now “better prepared to assist individuals with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible while enjoying our community.” NEWS IOPPD first in state to implement sensory accessibility for invisible disabilities Crime rates show decrease across the board By L. C. Leach III IOPFD applauded for fire safety preparedness, prevention Service response data shows increased demand By L. C. Leach III Isle of Palms Police recently took another step forward by becoming the first law enforcement agency in South Carolina to receive the Sensory Inclusive First Responder Certification. The designation came in January from KultureCity, a leading nonprofit in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, dedicated to creating sensory accessibility and inclusion for individuals with invisible disabilities such as autism, dementia, Parkinson’s disease and post-traumatic stress disorder. “The Isle of Palms Police Department is setting a new standard for what inclusive policing looks like,” said KultureCity executive director Uma Srivastava. “Being the first law enforcement agency in South Carolina to receive a Sensory Inclusive Certification reflects a deep commitment to serving every member of their community with compassion and understanding.” KultureCity certifies organizations, small businesses and public venues – such as stadiums, zoos and museums The new measure is also indicative of a heightened commitment to island safety – as illustrated by an overall trend of a reduction in crime and everyday law violations. In 2025, for example, IOP officers responded to a total of 9,801 service calls – down 808 from the previous year. The top three crime stats in 2025, which fell significantly from the previous year, included: • Parking citations – 8,527 – a drop of 429. • Traffic stops – 3,588 – a decline of 481. • State law violations – 1,235 – a reduction of 403. Beach violations – such as alcohol, smoking, vehicles and dogs off leashes – numbered only 39 for the entire year, down 18 from 2024. Despite the island’s growing number of year-round visitors, the total charges or citations for litter Any other city in South Carolina would be hard pressed to beat the Isle of Palms Fire Department in terms of safety. The department recently earned a Fire Safe South Carolina designation for another year, its sixth since 2020, recognizing the department’s commitment to fire prevention, public safety education and emergency preparedness. Partners responsible in designating Fire Safe SC Communities include the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, the South Carolina State Association of Fire Chiefs, the South Carolina Fire Marshals Association, the South Carolina Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators and the SC Office of State Fire Marshal. “Our personnel received numerous awards and recognition throughout the year,” said IOPFD Fire Chief Craig Oliverius. “And our fire rescue personnel work hard each shift to train on our craft.” The Fire Safe SC program promotes community risk reduction across South Carolina and acknowledges fire departments that meet specific safety and risk-reduction standards. Its goals are to reduce fire-related injuries and fatalities, promote consistent life-safety messaging, improve data quality and provide meaningful resources to support local departments. To maintain the designation, departments must: • Complete four courses annually. • Identify the top three residential calls for service from the previous year and report interventions used to reduce in the year following. • Transition incident reporting from the National Fire Incident Reporting System to the National Emergency Response Information System. • Leverage partnerships to reduce community risk and track the impact of each new or existing partnership. • Promote fire and life safety education, reporting the number of citizens reached and the methods used. Continued on Page 6. Isle of Palms Fire Department receives its sixth consecutive Fire Safe South Carolina designation.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjcyNTM1