Police Problems on Mend After Walk Off

PAGELAND, SC — The embattled police department in Pageland, South Carolina is on the mend.

Officers walked off the job in March, protesting the former chief.

After that, Pageland’s Chief Larry Brown retired amid controversy, leaving the department months with uncertain leadership.

Now, Chief Craig Greenlee is at the helm.

“I’m ready to come here and start solving problems,” said Chief Greenlee.

Former Chief Brown would not acknowledge problems to WCCB Charlotte when approached at a town council meeting.

To see previous report, click here.

When Chesterfield County Sheriff Jay Brooks temporarily took over the department he attributed some of the disruption to outdated policies, equipment and training for officers.

“We have some young officers in the department, and we are going to make sure that they get the proper training, that we update our policy and protocols and procedures,” said Chief Greenlee.

Monday, on his first day, he met with state investigators in part- to document the department’s disorganized evidence room.

He has a 90 day plan to access and fix the problems and hire up to two more officers.

One of the Chief’s main goals is to get the officers on the street, talking to the business owners and residents there.

“They begin to trust us and gives us the opportunity to assist them with the problems they have,” said Chief Greenlee.

It’s a tactic many departments adopt as police face a climate of distrust.

It’s an approach Greenlee says he initiated when he worked for the Lancaster Police Department.

“And that is done through good leadership, with the highest standards of integrity, ethics and transparency,” said Chief Greenlee.
Before Lancaster, Greenlee targeted gangs in Florida.

Something residents appreciate.

“I have faith because of what I’ve heard, and I am sitting back and watching to see if he delivers,” said Mack Nicholson.

30 years of policing, Chief Greenlee says he won’t stop patrolling.

“I’m gonna focus on the future of this department and this town,” said Chief Greenlee.