MPPD News

As No Shave November and Don’t Shave December comes to an end tonight at midnight don’t be surprised if you still see beards on Mount Pleasant Police Officers in the New Year. This past November officers were given the option to grow their beards for a donation to the American Cancer Society and the response and donations were overwhelming. There has been nationwide discussion lately about whether Police Officers should be allowed to wear beards with many agencies updating t heir policies to allow it according to Chief Ritchie. “I don’t believe anyone who calls the police for help cares whether the responding officer has a beard or not.,” said Chief Ritchie. “Our appearance in uniform may have changed, but our professionalism and dedication to our community has not. The women and men of the Mount Pleasant Police Department do extraordinary things in our Town every day, and our commitment to the highest quality of policing will never change.” When I decided to make the change an

The Town of Mount Pleasant Employee Relations Committee is hosting a Blood Drive at Town Hall on Thursday, December 5, from 9 am – 3 pm, at 100 Ann Edwards Lane. Members of the public and Town employees are invited to give the gift of life this holiday season by donating blood. If you plan on donating blood, please sign up online at  https:// www.redcrossblood.org/ . Search by zip code 29464 and select "Town of Mount Pleasant - December 5

Mount Pleasant, S.C. - On November 4, 2019, officers from the Mount Pleasant Police Department were called to assist the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office to help look for a subject who had made threats. Mount Pleasant officers located the suspect at Wando Crossing near TJ Maxx. The suspect was given commands to get out of his vehicle but refused to do so. Due to his non-compliance, the Mount Pleasant Police Department SWAT team and negotiators were called to the scene. Negotiators continued to try and talk the man into exiting his vehicle but he continued to refuse while waving a knife and scissors. The SWAT team deployed gas munitions into the vehicle and the suspect then came out where he was taken into custody by a K-9 unit and SWAT team members. The suspect was transferred to the custody of the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office.    The Mount Pleasant Police Department wants to thank the community for their patience as we handled this situation!  

Coleman Boulevard at Pherigo Street/Vincent Drive Traffic Signal – Flash Mode New Traffic Signal Turn On Thursday Evening, October 24th The Town of Mount Pleasant’s Transportation Department will place the new traffic signal at the intersection of Coleman Boulevard and Pherigo Street/Vincent Drive into flash mode. The Coleman Boulevard approaches will flash yellow for caution while the Pherigo Street and Vincent Drive approaches will flash red and drivers must come to a complete stop. Pending observations, the signal will be placed in full phase operation on Monday, October 28th at 10:00am. Please use extra caution during this change in the traffic pattern. All comments or questions should be directed to James Aton, PE at (843) 856-3080 or JAton@tompsc.com.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department is seeking the public's help to locate John Alberti. Mr. Alberti is currently wanted for Breach of Trust. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of John Alberti should contact SPO Harper at aharper@tompsc.com or 843-884-4176. Those who wish to remain anonymous should contact Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry at 843-554-1111 or www.5541111.com . Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry offers rewards of up to $1,000.00 for information that leads to an arrest.

We will be out at Tidewater Pharmacy at 421 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. and Wal-Mart Wando Crossing for a Drug Take-Back Day! Bring your used or expired prescription medication for safe disposal! We can't take syringes, liquids, aerosol sprays, or inhalers. 

Mount Pleasant, S.C. - On October 11, 2019, at approximately 4:05 a.m., officers from the Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to the 2100 block of Josephine Road in reference to shots being fired into a home. Officers found that the home was struck multiple times but no one inside was injured. This incident is still under investigation and more information will be released as it becomes available.

We have another variation on the scam theme! This time a victim was called and told that her Apple ID had been compromised. The telephone number that the scammer called from was spoofed to show a real number that is used by Apple Tech Support. The victim was then sent an email with a link to click on. Once the victim clicked on this link, the scammer had complete access to their computer. The scammer told the victim that her bank and credit card accounts had also been compromised along with the victim's mother's account. The victim was told that 72 hackers from Russia were compromising the accounts and the only way to secure the accounts was to pay in various gift cards. The scammer told the victim that after she gave the number for the gift cards, her accounts would be secured and any IPs that were tracking her would be blocked. She was also told that any money given would be refunded to her after the accounts were secured. This was not the case and the victim is now

Here are 6 apps every parent of a teen should know! Make sure to talk to your kids about internet safety!

Good Morning! We hope everyone is doing well after #Dorian! As you travel today, please know that power is still out in areas so traffic lights are down as well. Please use caution out there and follow these rules for traffic lights that are out!

Mount Pleasant Town Hall Returns to Normal Business Hours Tomorrow, Sept. 6 By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant Communications Manager  MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (Sept. 5, 2019) –  As impacts of Hurricane Dorian decrease and the storm moves north, the Town of Mount Pleasant Town Hall Administrative Offices will open on Friday, Sept. 6 during normal operating hours. “We are thankful that our town was spared the brutal impacts of this storm and we grieve for the losses and the damage done in the Bahamas,” said Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie. Town staff will begin damage assessment today, Sept. 5. Waste management personnel will resume garbage and trash collection routes on Monday, Sept. 9. Yard debris collection will begin on Monday, Sept. 9 but will not move to Tuesday’s route until Monday route’s yard debris is collected. The same applies to Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday routes. Outdoor athletic activities will be canceled until fields are returned to playable cond

CARTA Suspends Hurricane Evacuation Peninsula Circulator at 6 pm Today HURRICANE DORIAN UPDATE 3 NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (Sept. 4, 2019, 4 p.m.) – CARTA will suspend all operations, including the Hurricane Evacuation Peninsula Circulator, at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4, as previously planned, in anticipation of hazardous weather conditions.

Dominion Energy Provides Contact Information, Safety Tips MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (Sept. 4, 2019) - Dorian could bring heavy rain and flooding as well as severe wind, which could cause significant outages for Lowcountry customers. Approximately 2,000 employees and contract crew members, including linemen and damage assessors, are ready to respond quickly and safely to power outages, should they occur. REPORTING OUTAGES The quickest and most efficient way for customers in South Carolina to notify Dominion Energy of a power outage is to report it online at www.DominionEnergySC.com, using a mobile device.   RESTORATION PROCESS After the storm passes and it is safe to do so, our crews will begin assessing damage and restoring power with the following priority: - Facilities critical to public health and safety, such as hospitals, fire and police departments, and water treatment systems. - Crews then work to return service to the largest number of residential and business customers

By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant Communications Manager MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (Sept. 4, 2019) – Mount Pleasant Emergency Operations Center advises residents and businesses to exercise caution as rain and storm surge impacts from Hurricane Dorian are expected to continue to increase in intensity between now and through Thursday, Sept. 5. There is still time to heed Governor Henry McMaster’s evacuation order and move to a safe location if you are in a flood-prone area.  Emergency responders are carefully monitoring wind speeds and making decisions to maintain readiness and capability to respond to emergency situations. PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGES  Shelter-in-Place during the storm and do not underestimate the force and power of water -  Turn Around Don't Drown®  Mount Pleasant Emergency Info Line is (843) 884-8517 Mount Pleasant Waterworks Business Offices will be closed until September 9. MPW Emergency Operations Center has been activated. Emergency

LAST UPDATE: I-26 Lane Reversal Ends at 2:00 PM Today ***LATEST UPDATE: The Lane reversal ends at 2 PM today*** By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant Communications Manager MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (Sept. 4, 2019) – The lane reversal ordered by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster as a result of Hurricane Dorian will stop at noon today, Wednesday, Sept.4, according to South Carolina Department of Transportation officials. View their communication here.

Sept. 4, 2019: The I-26 lane reversal will end today at noon!

Mount Pleasant, S.C. - The police department has been actively preparing for Hurricane Dorian since we became aware of the storm. As of 7:45 a.m. today, the police department has moved to 12-hour shifts as our community prepares to feel the effects of Hurricane Dorian. Our officers will be housed in Mount Pleasant throughout the storm and will be ready to respond. Extra staffing and increased presence will be seen on the roadways, in the subdivisions, and around businesses. If you have not evacuated, there is still time and our officers will be in place to assist. Keep in mind that the reversal will end at noon today. Those of you who do evacuate, our agency will ensure your homes and businesses are safe. If you decide to stay, we will be in place to assist you. We have special response vehicles staffed and strategically placed throughout town that will allow us to help those in dire need during an emergency situation. After Hurricane Dorian leaves our area, please resist the

Is the Ravenel Bridge open? This is the question we get many times during a storm. Attached are the warnings that are given when wind speeds reach 30mph and 40mph sustained. Please don't venture out onto the roads once Hurricane Dorian arrives!

Town Makes Second Sand Delivery at Designated Locations Across Town By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant Communications Manager MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (Sept. 3, 2019) – The Town of Mount Pleasant will deliver another 20 tons of sand at Memorial Waterfront Park, Park West Recreation Complex and the Jones Center beginning at 11:15 a.m. today.  It will be a self-serve station, with free sandbags available for filling. Bring your own shovel. We will not have personnel at the locations to help you fill your sandbags. Please bring someone who can physically help you fill, lift and carry your bags.  Sandbags will be available on a first come/first serve basis. There will be a limit of 10 self-serve bags per household. Once they are gone, the Town will not have additional sandbags for distribution.  • Memorial Waterfront Park – 99 Harry Hallman Blvd. • R.L. Jones Recreational Complex – 391 Egypt Rd. • Park West Recreation Complex – 1251 Park West Blvd., overflow parking For more inform

Town Increases Readiness Level to OPCON 1 By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant Communications Manager MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (Sept. 3, 2019) – The Town of Mount Pleasant moved to OPCON 1 this morning at its Emergency Operations Center dayshift briefing. OPCON 1 signifies the highest state of emergency operations. The following closures and cancellations are effective as a result of Hurricane Dorian.  Closures and Cancellations • All Town of Mount Pleasant Administrative Offices will be closed today until further notice. View the Calendar at www.tompsc.com. • The Committees of Council have been canceled and will be rescheduled. Stay informed at www.tompsc.com/alertcenter.aspx • The Municipal Court will not be in session today. All court appearances will be rescheduled, and notifications will be mailed. Payments prior to court date may be made here: https://paycourt.tompsc.com/Dashboard/ • Monday trash and garbage route will be collected today. However, if you are not able to ret

Portside Ferry Wharf Parking Deck Open Free of Charge By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant Communications Manager MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (Sept. 3, 2019) - Beginning at 2 p.m. today, the Portside Ferry Wharf Parking Deck located at the foot of the Ravenel Bridge, 75 Port City Landing, will be available for free parking to residents during the storm and until Sunday, September 7 at 2 pm.

If an evacuation is ordered and you do not have transportation, buses will be provided to take you from the following pick-up points to the nearest available shelter. In the event of an emergency, pay attention to local media for possible pick-up location changes. Buses run from 8 am until 6 pm. There is not a set time for each stop. The buses will begin at the first stop and continue until full. They will drop off riders at the shelter and come back to resume pickups. Mount Pleasant #1  (Arthur Ravenel Bridge to the Isle of Palms Connector) MP-101: Bus stop at Frontage Road and Lansing Drive (Trader Joe’s). MP-102: Bus stop at Ben Sawyer Blvd. and New Parrish Way. MP-103: Bus stop at Johnnie Dodds Blvd. & Queensborough Shopping. MP-104: Bus stop at Moultrie Middle School – 645 Coleman Blvd. MP-105: Bus stop at Market Center Blvd. and Palmetto Grande Drive. MP-106: Bus stop at Coleman Blvd. and Harborgate Drive. Mount Pleasant #2  (North of the Isl

Charleston County Shelter Information Update MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (Sept. 2, 2019) - Citizens should make final preparations for the arrival of weather impacts from Hurricane Dorian. Hurricane shelters opened at noon, Monday, September 2. Shelters are used as a last resort and citizens need to bring necessary personal items with them. Transportation pickup points can be found in Charleston County’s Hurricane Guide at charlestoncounty.org. Buses will run from the hurricane pickup points to shelters from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day weather permitting. The following shelters are open: · Coastal Pre-Release Center (pet-friendly shelter) – 3765 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston 29405 · Military Magnet Academy - 2950 Carner Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405 · R.B. Stall High School - 3625 Ashley Phosphate Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418 · Jerry Zucker Middle School - 6401 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418 Please note these County closings and information: · The Charleston County Commit

Town Announces Severe Weather Closures, Cancellations By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant Communications Manager  MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (Sept. 2, 2019) – The Town of Mount Pleasant has announced the following closures and cancellations as a result of Hurricane Dorian.  CLOSURES and CANCELLATIONS  • All Town of Mount Pleasant Administrative Offices will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 3 until further notice. View the Calendar at www.tompsc.com. • The Committees of Council have been cancelled and will be rescheduled. Stay informed at www.tompsc.com/alertcenter.aspx • The Municipal Court will not be in session on Sept. 3. All court appearances will be rescheduled, and notifications will be mailed. Payments prior to court date may be made here: https://paycourt.tompsc.com/Dashboard/ • Monday trash and garbage route will be collected tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 3. However, if you are not going to be there to bring your rollcart back to a secure location, we advise you to keep the rollcart and

TriCounty Link to Suspend Operations Beginning Sept. 2 NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (Sept. 1, 2019) –   Due to the forthcoming mandatory evacuation order related to Hurricane Dorian,   TriCounty Link , the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester region’s rural public transit agency, will suspend operations beginning Sept. 2. Charleston Area Regional Transportation (CARTA)  service will be monitored beginning Monday morning. TriCounty Link service will resume when safe and as directed by state and local leaders. Questions regarding the program should be directed to TriCounty Link marketing and communications manager Michelle Emerson, who can be reached at   memerson@bcdcog.com  or (843) 529-0333.

Town Completes Preparedness Measures, Issues Sandbag Locations By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant Communications Manager MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (Sept. 1, 2019) – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, today, issued a mandatory coastal evacuation order and reversal I-26 from Charleston to Columbia to mitigate impacts of Hurricane Dorian. The evacuation order and lane reversal will be effective at noon tomorrow, Sept. 2. Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie called on all citizens to remain alert and be prepared to evacuate. “The most important thing you can do during a major hurricane event is to secure your property and follow evacuation instructions.” The Mount Pleasant Police Department issued the following evacuation route and lane reversal information: EAST COOPER EVACUATION ROUTES o Evacuees leaving Mount Pleasant will take I-526 or US 17 south to I-26. o Those leaving Sullivan's Island will use SC 703 to I-526 Business to access I-526, then I-26. o Evacuees from the Isl

Hurricane Dorian Update Sept. 1, 2019 5:00 p.m.

Make sure you have our smartphone app downloaded! We send emergency notifications straight to your phone! You can also keep up with our social feeds all in one place! Search Mount Pleasant Police in your app store! Free for iOS and Android!  Apple -  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/town-mt-pleasant-police-department/id702959880?ls=1 Android -  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.netgalaxystudios.tomppd

Hurricane Dorian August 31, 2019 5:00 p.m. Update Above are the key messages from the 5 p.m. update.

Mount Pleasant Moves to OPCON 2, Monitors and Coordinates Preparedness Measures MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (August 31, 2019) – The Town of Mount Pleasant moved to OPCON 2 at 1 p.m. today, August 31, along with Charleston County.  “We will continue to monitor Hurricane Dorian's track closely and coordinate emergency preparedness measures,” said Mount Pleasant Emergency Manager Amanda Knight. “While the path of Dorian remains uncertain, residents should take the time to review emergency plans and check supplies. We ask you to monitor local media outlets for updates on the storm.” 

Here are the key messages from the National Hurricane Center:

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