Charleston Police named top agency in 2024

The City of Charleston announced the Charleston Police Department has been named the 2024 Agency of the Year by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Network.

The recognition highlights CPD’s aggressive, data-driven approach to fighting impaired driving which has been one of the top public safety priorities for Mayor William Cogswell and the City of Charleston over the past year.

In collaboration with city leadership, Charleston police launched a targeted initiative to reduce DUI-related crashes through increased enforcement, additional checkpoints, and expanded rideshare zones. Recent data showed DUI arrests rose by 31% in 2024, contributing to a 52% decrease in fatal crashes, and a 54% reduction in serious collisions compared to 2023.

Also recognized was Senior Police Officer Zach Azari, who was named SCLEN’s Officer of the Year for his outstanding commitment to keeping impaired drivers off the streets.

To learn more about CPD’s recent strategy, read DI News reporter Emma Slavin’s recent article that details the department's statistics that show an overall reduction in crime.