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Laurens City Police Department honored with voluntary 'safe' forensic designation
Summary
The South Carolina Victim Assistance Network presented a voluntary forensic 'safe' designation to the Laurens City Police Department for training and victim‑care practices; SC VAN said fewer than 10 law‑enforcement agencies in the state hold the recognition.
Sabrina Gast, with the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network, told Laurens City Council that SC VAN has worked since 1985 to improve services and access for victims of crime and to support victim advocates. "Today, we are here to focus on 1 of our major projects. It's called the safe designation," she said.
Amanda White, who described the training and standards, said the voluntary program trains hospitals, law enforcement and emergency responders on forensic‑kit preservation and victim care so that victims receive consistent, appropriate treatment regardless of where they first seek help. "We wanted to ensure that no matter where they showed up, they were being treated appropriately and fairly," she said. SC VAN noted that fewer than 10 law‑enforcement agencies in the state have obtained the designation.
SC VAN presented a certificate recognizing the Laurens City Police Department for meeting the program's standards. The Presiding Officer thanked SC VAN and the department, calling the recognition an honor and saying the city aims to "go further than words" in supporting victims and law enforcement.
The designation is voluntary and overseen by SC VAN in partnership with state agencies, SC VAN said; the award signals local completion of SC VAN's training and procedural expectations but does not by itself change statutory obligations or funding. The council did not take any formal action related to funding during the presentation.
The presentation concluded and council resumed the regular agenda.
