Lancaster PD

09/04/2026

**SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT — Friday, Sept. 4, - Monday, Sept. 7**

Motorists across the state will see increased law enforcement presence and activity over the next few days as the SC Department of Public Safety conducts special enforcement during the Labor Day holiday period.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol and State Transport Police will focus on enforcing all traffic violations with a special emphasis on impaired driving, speeding, aggressive driving, seatbelt usage, and distracted driving.

09/03/2026

Just two weeks away!!

Mark your calendars! We’re getting ready for another great day of basketball, fun, and community at Chief Roper’s 4th Annual Hoops for Hope!

📅 September 19, 2026
📍 Gay Street Basketball Courts
⏰ 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

Come out and enjoy:

🏀 Free Throw Contest
🏀 Dunking Contest
🏀 Three-Point Shootout
🏀 High School Students vs. Lancaster Police Department — the main event!
🍧 Free hotdogs, drinks & shaved ice
🤝 Community resource booths
🏆 Prizes for contest winners

Registration begins at 10:00 AM, with the main event tipping off at 1:00 PM.

Want to participate in one of the contests? Register in advance by emailing [email protected].

Bring the family, bring your friends, and come spend the day with us!

🏀 Let’s build a stronger community together. 💙

09/02/2026

As Labor Day weekend approaches, remind yourself that even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability. 🍺❌🚗

About one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the U.S. involve drunk drivers (with BACs at or above .08 g/dL).

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 🚨

09/01/2026

The Lancaster Police Department is proud to recognize 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 as the 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡.

Cpl. Howell demonstrates what it means to be not only a School Resource Officer, but a dedicated police officer and public servant. He has earned the trust and respect of the faculty, staff, and students at North Elementary School through his consistent presence, professionalism, and commitment to keeping the school safe everyday.

Being an SRO is about much more than security and enforcement. It is about building relationships, being present, earning trust, and becoming a positive influence in the lives of the students and families served. Throughout the school day, Cpl. Howell can be found walking the campus, both inside and outside, remaining visible, engaged, and attentive to the needs of the school. When a concern is brought to his attention, he responds immediately and works to ensure the issue is addressed appropriately.

Perhaps one of the greatest examples of Cpl. Howell’s impact is the relationship he has built with the students. Children of all ages and grade levels smile, wave, run to him, and proudly call out, “Officer Mike!” He greets them with the same enthusiasm, kindness, and genuine care. It is clear that students see Cpl. Howell not only as someone who helps keep them safe, but as someone they trust, respect, and look forward to seeing each day.

Cpl. Howell is an outstanding police officer and, just as importantly, a genuinely good person. His service, integrity, and professionalism reflect the high standards of the Lancaster Police Department. His dedication to the students and staff of North Elementary School is a true example of the positive impact an SRO can have within a school and the broader community.

Join us in congratulating 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 on being named the Lancaster Police Department’s September 2026 Employee of the Month!

08/31/2026

𝐀 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓!

We are proud to announce that on Friday, August 28, 2026, the Lancaster Police Department was unanimously approved for accreditation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation Council (SCLEA), officially making the Lancaster Police Department a dual accredited law enforcement agency.

This accomplishment comes just months after the department was awarded national accreditation through CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) in March 2026. With the addition of SCLEA accreditation, Lancaster Police Department has now achieved both national and state accreditation.

Accreditation staff and members of our Command Staff attended the SCLEA Council meeting in Columbia, where the Council reviewed the policies, proofs, and standards submitted by the Lancaster Police Department and had the opportunity to ask questions of our Command Staff.

Following the hearing, the Council voted unanimously to approve LPD for state accreditation, effective immediately. Dual accreditation is a rare accomplishment in South Carolina, placing the Lancaster Police Department among a select group of law enforcement agencies that have achieved both state and national accreditation.

During the meeting, the SCLEA Council recognized the tremendous effort of the men and women of the Lancaster Police Department in taking on the challenge of achieving dual accreditation through both CALEA and SCLEA. The Council specifically commended our department members for their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to following best practices in law enforcement.

“Being state accredited is about more than meeting standards. It’s about taking pride in what we do, holding ourselves accountable, and continually looking for ways to improve. As the Accreditation Manager, I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished together,” said Misty Walters. “This achievement reflects our department’s commitment to doing things the right way and striving for excellence every day. I want to thank the Command Staff and the amazing men and women of the Lancaster Police Department for their support and dedication. You all did an incredible job.”

“This accomplishment represents countless hours of hard work, dedication, accountability, policy review, documentation, training, and teamwork. Most importantly, it reflects our commitment as a department to holding ourselves to a higher standard and continually looking for ways to improve,” stated Chief Don Roper. “I am incredibly proud of the entire Lancaster Police Department and the work our officers and civilian staff do every day. We are honored to serve the citizens of Lancaster. Thank you to every member of LPD who played a role in achieving this tremendous accomplishment.”

Please join us in congratulating the entire Lancaster Police Department on this incredible milestone! 💙

🏆 CALEA Accredited — March 2026
🏆 SCLEA Accredited — August 2026

Two Accreditations. One Department. One Commitment to Excellence.



📸 Pictured: Chief Chris Watts presents the SCLEA accreditation award to Chief Don Roper.

Back Row: Members of the SCLEA Council — Van Henson, Sally Foster, Jackie Swindler, Nancy Lundy, Terrence Green, and John “JJ” Jones.
Front Row: Captain Cristy, Deputy Chief Rice, Misty Walters, Chief Don Roper, Chief Chris Watts, Sgt. Howe, and Captain Bowling

08/31/2026

Mark your calendars! We’re getting ready for another great day of basketball, fun, and community at Chief Roper’s 4th Annual Hoops for Hope!

📅 September 19, 2026
📍 Gay Street Basketball Courts
⏰ 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

Come out and enjoy:

🏀 Free Throw Contest
🏀 Dunking Contest
🏀 Three-Point Shootout
🏀 High School Students vs. Lancaster Police Department — the main event!
🍧 Free hotdogs, drinks & shaved ice
🤝 Community resource booths
🏆 Prizes for contest winners

Registration begins at 10:00 AM, with the main event tipping off at 1:00 PM.

Want to participate in one of the contests? Register in advance by emailing [email protected].

Bring the family, bring your friends, and come spend the day with us!

🏀 Let’s build a stronger community together. 💙

08/30/2026

In the wake of the tragic line-of-duty death of Officer Christopher DeLong and the injury of Officer David Dymock, many members of our community have asked how they can support our officers and their families.

For those wishing to contribute, donations may be made through Serve & Connect’s official Tragedy Response Program. This program provides support to law enforcement families and agencies following critical incidents and line-of-duty tragedies.

We are deeply grateful for the prayers, messages, acts of kindness and support extended to the Columbia Police Department during this incredibly difficult time.

To donate or learn more, please visit:
https://serveandconnect.org/tragedy-response-program/

Thank you for standing with the CPD family and honoring those who serve and sacrifice.

08/30/2026

The Lancaster Police Department extends our deepest condolences to the members of the Columbia Police Department, SC and to the family, friends, and loved ones of Officer Christopher DeLong following his tragic line-of-duty death.

Officer DeLong made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting the Columbia community. His loss is felt not only by those who knew and served alongside him, but by the entire law enforcement community.

We send our continued thoughts and prayers to the other Columbia Police officer, David Dymock, who was injured during this incident. We pray for that officers strength, healing, and full recovery.

During this difficult time, we ask the Lancaster community to join us in keeping Officer DeLong’s wife, his two young children, his family and friends, and all of the men and women of the Columbia Police Department in your thoughts and prayers.

We stand with our brothers and sisters of the Columbia Police Department as they grieve the loss of one of their own.

Officer Christopher DeLong, thank you for your service, your courage, and your sacrifice.

May you rest easy, Brother. We have the watch from here.

— Lancaster Police Department

08/29/2026

LOCATED SAFE!! Thanks to everyone who shared the post and helped to located Izabella safely.
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🚨 MISSING JUVENILE 🚨

The Lancaster Police Department would appreciate the public’s assistance in locating a missing juvenile.

Izabella Dixon was reported missing from Lancaster High School around 1:45 p.m.
She was originally last seen in the E. Arch St. area around 7:15 a.m.

Description:
• Height: 5’3”
• Weight: Approximately 130 lbs.
• Hair: Brown
• Eyes: Brown
• Age: 16
Last seen wearing: Blue jeans and a black hoodie with Michael Myers on the front. She’s also known to wear black glasses.

Anyone who has seen this juvenile or has information regarding her whereabouts is asked to contact the Lancaster Police Department at 803-283-3313.

Please share this post to help us locate her and bring them home safely.

08/27/2026

🚔 PROMOTION ANNOUNCEMENT

The Lancaster Police Department is pleased to announce that Jordan Brown has been selected for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant.

This promotion recognizes Lt. Brown’s dedication, leadership, professionalism, and commitment to the Lancaster Police Department and the community we serve. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated strong leadership and a steadfast commitment to public service.

Lieutenant Brown will be assigned to the Special Operations Division, where he will serve as the Detective Lieutenant. In this role, he will provide leadership and oversight of the department’s investigative operations while continuing to uphold the values of integrity, professionalism, and service through his work on behalf of the Lancaster community.

Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Brown on this well-deserved promotion and wishing him continued success in his new role.