BEAUFORT, S.C. (April 3, 2023) – Beaufort police officers are carrying a few new things in the trunk of their patrol cars. And it’s all in the spirit of fun and play.
Thanks to a generous donation from the Exchange Club of Beaufort, Beaufort Police Department patrol cars are carrying various kinds of sports balls in the trunk of each cruiser. If officers come across kids playing outside while they are patrolling, they might decide to stop for a few minutes, toss the ball around, and then leave it with the kids.
“Playing is the one universal thing that brings people together,” said Beaufort Deputy Police Chief Stephenie Price, who approached the Exchange Club with the idea. “It’s good for your health, good for the community, and helps build a relationship between police and the community – not in terms of a crisis, but as something positive.”
On March 30, Exchange Club members visited the Police Department to deliver the new balls.
“There’s nothing like a new ball – there are a million things kids can do with a ball and their imagination,” said Exchange Club President James Williams.
“It’s the first step in a relationship,” added Exchange Club member Brian Flewelling.
This is one of several initiatives by the Police Department to enhance its community policing approach – from Chill with a Cop outings at parks around the City of Beaufort during the year to distribution of food to needy families through the Greg’s Groceries project.
The Exchange Club of Beaufort is dedicated to the elimination of child abuse, and raises money through auctions, ghost tours, and other activities. Find out more about the Exchange Club at its website.
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(Photo: Exchange Club President James Williams shakes hands with Deputy Police Chief Stephenie Price while members of the PD and Exchange Club gather behind them.)
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